Chess Openings - The Italian Game
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1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. Bc4
The Italian Game is another attack for White out of the King's Knight Opening (1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6). White takes aims at black's weak f7 pawn with: 3. Bc4. This opening is considered to be one of the oldest recorded openings - played by famous players in the 16th and 17th century.
There are several strategic considerations behind the Italian Opening. By posting a bishop at c4, white prevents the advance of the black's d pawn. This gives white some time to prepare a central thrust of his own with d4. Also, the vacating bishop opens up the kingside for castling.
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1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. Bc4 Bc5
A typical response for black is 3... Bc5. This leads to a position known as Giuoco Piano - which is translated as The Quiet Game. If black is careless, the Quiet Game becomes anything but quiet! When white is able to get his two centre Pawns rolling, they can turn into a devastating steamroller.
How Common is the Italian Game?
Common at all Levels
Historically, the opening has been very popular. In the last century, it has been somewhat superseded by the Ruy Lopez at the master level. Overall, white plays the Italian Game out of the King's Knight Opening about 20% of the time. Black then defends by playing into the Quiet Game with a 40% probability.