Defending championAlvaro Quiroswill tee it up alongside local favouriteMatteo Manasserowhen the Rocco Forte Sicilian Open gets under way on Thursday.
The Spaniard ended six winless years with his victory at Verdura Golf Club last season and Manassero will be hoping to take some inspiration from his playing partner as he looks for a first triumph since 2013.
The duo will have England'sMatthew Southgatefor company when they go off the first at 1.15pm.
Another home hero inNino Bertasiotees off ten minutes later alongside DaneSøren Kjeldsenand FrenchmanMike Lorenzo-Vera, withZander Lombard- who lost in a play-off here last season - teeing off at 1.35pm alongside AustralianJason Scrivenerand FinnTapio Pulkkanen.
Ryder Cup CaptainThomas Bjørntees off at 8.30am alongside fellow Dane and 2012 winner hereThorbjørn Olesen, and Commercial Bank Qatar Masters championEddie Pepperell.
There is another Danish-English trio in the 8.20am group withLucas Bjerregaardstarting alongsideJames MorrisonandLee Slattery, ten minutes afterThomas Aiken,Austin ConnellyandDavid Horsey.
Home heroEdoardo Molinaritees off at 8.40am and he will have South AfricanHaydn Porteousand Ryder Cup starAndy Sullivanfor company.
