Italian Game: what to play after Bc4?

In the Italian Game (ECO C50), Black faces a fundamental branching point with over 11.5 million recorded games. The engine’s top recommendation is Bc5, which scores an evaluation of +0.14 and leads into the classical Giuoco Piano, while the sharp Two Knights Defense with Nf6 serves as an equally viable alternative evaluated at +0.15. Choosing Bc5 develops a minor piece actively, mirrors White's bishop, and contests central control without immediately inviting tactical complications.

Classical Development with Bc5

Opting for Bc5 has occurred in 28.6% of recorded games (3.30M recorded). This move develops the dark-squared bishop to an active outpost, directly eyeing the weak f2 point in White's camp. An illustrative engine continuation demonstrates a quiet maneuvering struggle: Bc5 d3 Nf6 O-O d6 c3. This branch allows Black to maintain a solid pawn structure and steady piece coordination.

The Counterattacking Alternative Nf6

The most frequently contested choice is Nf6, appearing in 33.7% of games (3.89M recorded). Rather than mirroring White's piece placement, Black immediately pressures the undefended e4 pawn. The engine assesses this continuation at +0.15, often transposing back toward standard paths via Nf6 d3 Bc5 O-O d6 c3. This gives Black active piece play at the cost of allowing potential early attacks against f7.

Passive Options and Structural Considerations

Less dynamic choices yield a clearer edge for White according to engine assessments. The solid d6 represents 7.4% of games (857K recorded) with an evaluation of +0.34, followed by d6 Nc3 Be7 d4 exd4 Nxd4. Meanwhile, the modest Be7 occurs in 4.1% of games (472K recorded) and evaluates at +0.40, and the slow h6 rates at +0.58, illustrating the value of immediate piece development over passive setups.