Home favourite Francesco Molinari gave the locals plenty to cheer as he moved to the top of the leaderboard at the BMW Italian Open presented by CartaSi.
Two behind leading duo Chris Wood and Robert Rock after an opening 66, The Ryder Cup star reached nine under par after ten holes of his second round with birdies at the 11th, 14th and 15th.
Playing in his home city of Turin at the Royal Park I Roveri course, Molinari held a one shot lead over compatriot Lorenzo Gagli and Dane Thorbjorn Olesen as well as afternoon playing partners Rock and Wood.
Challenge Tour graduate Olesen was one under for the day with five holes remaining, while Gagli - who finished fifth in Sicily earlier in the year - had two birdies and an eagle in a front nine 32.
