Rikard Karlberg is excited by the prospect of teeing off as a defending champion at the Italian Open this week.
The Swede claimed his maiden European Tour title at Golf Club Milano 12 months ago when he birdied the second extra hole to beat Martin Kaymer in a dramatic play-off.
He is enjoying another successful campaign in 2016 with three top tens - including a second-place finish at the BMW PGA Championship - but he admits teeing it up as a champion will be a new and nerve-racking experience for him on Thursday.
"I'm just here to win," he said. "You know you won here before and maybe those extra thoughts will make you feel a bit of pressure and be a bit more nervous but I will just enjoy it.
"When you've been playing quite a many events here on the European Tour in a year, standing on the first tee feels pretty standard and this week is not standard and I will enjoy that feeling and the nerves.
"The last month I have really prepared for this, looking forward to playing this course again. It's been on my mind, how will it feel and what thoughts will pop up in my head so I'm really excited to be here.
"I've seen the play-off a few times, not just before I got here, maybe three weeks ago the last time. I love watching it."
This week is not standard and I will enjoy that feeling and the nerves - Rikard Karlberg
Golf Club Milano will present a slightly different test this year, with the 16th changed from a par five to a par four and some altered tee positions to the 2015 edition.
Karlberg believes low scoring could still be the order of the day, though, and is confident he can claim another victory if his short game is in good order.
"We have low scoring out here and it's good, taking a par five to a par four and I think 18 will play a little bit longer as well," he said. "It will be exciting and a lot of birdies will happen. It's going to be good fun.
"It's been a little bit up and down, I did a lot of birdies in Crans but didn't chip enough. So if short game, chipping and bunker shots are there, I'll definitely have a shot on Sunday."
