The disgraced sailor was given a 16-year jail term in 2015 after being found guilty of manslaughter, causing a maritime accident and abandoning ship although is yet to begin his sentence.

During the trial, which is due to begin in Florence today (April 28), Schettino hopes to overturn the conviction while the prosecution are seeking to extend his term to 26 years.

The legal team of the 55-year-old are expected to claim that the accident, which occurred off Giglio Island, was down to collective negligence by the ship’s crew.

During the time of the disaster in 2012 more than 4,000 passengers and crew were forced to evacuate the liner.

Schettino also denies that he abandoned the boat before passengers and crew had been able to disembark.

At the time, the Italian’s handling of the disaster was heavily criticised by investigators who accused him of sailing the 290m-long vessel too close to shore causing it to strike the rocks.

"We will ask that the responsibility of all the protagonists in this affair be redefined, not just that of our client," lawyer Donato Laino told the AFP news agency.

If unsuccessful the former captain will have a further opportunity to appeal at the Court of Cassation – Italy’s most senior court.