Francesco Molinari felt no ill-effects from his recent break as he fired an opening 65 to delight the home fans at the 72° OPEN D'ITALIA presented by DAMIANI.
The 32 year old was returning from a four-week break at Golf Club Milano following the birth of his daughter Emma four days after the US PGA Championship, but showed few signs of rust as he recorded eight birdies and a bogey to sit two off the lead held by Nicolas Colsaerts.
He picked up shots on the 12th, 14th, 16th and 17th to sit four under after nine holes. A further birdie followed on the fourth but he gave the stroke straight back before finishing with three gains.
"It was really good today," he said. "I played solid and hit a lot of fairways and greens which you obviously need to do around this golf course because the targets are quite small.
"It was especially pleasing to shoot seven under after four weeks off. I had done some good practice coming into this week, but when you have had a break like that you are never 100 percent sure as to how you are going to play in a tournament situation.
"I hit a lot of good shots out there today and to finish with three birdies turned a good day into a great day.
"There is a low score around this course. If you hit the ball well and find the greens you are going to have a lot of chances for birdies."
Molinari, who became the youngest winner of this tournament in 2006, led the home challenge in Monza with amateur Steffano Mazzoli a further shot back and Andrea Perrino and Lorenzo Gagli in a large group at five under.
Mazzoli carded six birdies in a flawless 66 and was delighted to be pitting himself against the European elite.
"It's a really good opportunity for me mainly because it's my first Open and a really good opportunity to play against high-level players so it's a good challenge for me," he said.
"My aim is to make the cut and then I hope to win the amateur medal."
Costantino Rocca was also among the home contingent as he recorded an 80 in his last European Tour event and Molinari was delighted to be back playing in front of Italian fans.
"I love playing in front of the home crowd," he said. "I think that I am lucky to have won the Italian Open in my second year as a pro. A lot of people feel pressure playing at home but because I have won it already I think I can be relaxed and really enjoy it.
"I wish I could play in Italy more than once a year."
