Rule reminder
In formal written Italian, the subjunctive is used more extensively than in speech. Academic and journalistic writing uses subjunctive after verbs of reporting (si afferma che, si sostiene che), after concessive conjunctions (benché, sebbene, per quanto), and in hypothetical constructions. The imperfect subjunctive is preferred over the present in formal registers for politeness and style.
Secondo gli esperti, benché i dati _____ incoraggianti, non si _____ ancora trarre conclusioni definitive.