Also slated to testify are three former aides being tried separately for their alleged role in organizing sex-fueled parties, as well as Mariano Apicella, who has put out four CDs with Berlusconi and often entertains at his residences, and two members of Berlusconi's defunct government, ex-Foreign Minister Franco Frattini and ex-Education Minister Mariastella Gelmini.

By accepting the witnesses, the court agrees their testimony is relevant, although either side may decide later to reduce the number of witnesses or not to call someone because their testimony is no longer needed. Furthermore, Italy has limited power to compel witnesses living abroad to appear, although courts often arrange video testimony for the convenience of potential witnesses.

The court also allowed transcripts of wiretapped calls to be entered as evidence, while a record of phone calls between Berlusconi and a police official won't be admitted.

Berlusconi is also charged with using his influence to cover up the crime of underage prostitution by personally intervening to win el-Mahroug's release from police custody when she was picked up on suspicion of theft.

Berlusconi denies the charge and says he sought to get her out of custody because he believed she was the niece of the former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.

Ghedini said the exclusion of the phone call records was a "serious problem" for the defense, because it proves there was no abuse of influence, but he said that will be made clear through the police official's testimony.

The trial continues next week with the first witnesses, including police investigators