The Italian Game begins with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4. White aims for rapid development, pressure on f7, and kingside control.
This is one of the oldest openings in chess. It can lead to quiet, strategic battles (Pianissimo) or open, tactical play (with d4, Evans, and gambit lines).
Black has multiple systems: the classical Giuoco Piano, the solid Hungarian Defense, and the sharp Two Knights (outside this page—Ts focus).