Italian Game is a classical opening system in which White develops the bishop to c4, targeting Black's f7 pawn, the weakest point.

Main Lines

• 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4
• Black usually replies with 3...Bc5 (Giuoco Piano) or 3...Nf6 (Two Knights Defense).

Strategic Theme

White puts pressure on the f7 square while controlling the center. Despite the name Giuoco Piano (Quiet Game), it also includes sharp variations such as the Evans Gambit.