Guido Migliozzi admits winning the Italian Open this week would be a dream but he will be trying his best to keep his feet on the ground at Olgiata Golf Club.
The home favourite has been one of the breakout stars on the 2019 Race to Dubai, winning twice in his rookie campaign since graduating from the Qualifying School.
He first played his home open as a 17-year-old in 2014 but had to wait four years to get another chance as he made his Rolex Series debut last season.
He will no longer be able to fly under the radar on home soil like he once did, but the 22-year-old is refusing to get carried away in Rome.
"It would mean a lot, it would be a dream," he said of potentially lifting the trophy on Sunday.
"I'm feeling good. Beautiful weather, beautiful people, beautiful course and wonderful food so I'm very happy.
The mind is the same, I just want to play good and have fun. The crowd and the prize money change but it's a golf tournament
"I have to approach this tournament like a normal tournament and focus and just do my own thing - it's a tournament week. The mind is the same, I just want to play good and have fun. The crowd and the prize money change but it's a golf tournament.
"I'll push on now, I've had fun in the past tournaments and I'm feeling great with my golf. I'll keep going and we'll see."
Edoardo Molinari is a veteran of Italian Opens but despite being a three time European Tour winner and Ryder Cup star, he has yet to finish in the top ten at his home event.
But sitting comfortably at 75th in the Race to Dubai Rankings Presented by Rolex after two top tens and 12 made cuts in his last 15 events, the 38-year-old is confident he can have a good week.
"I'm feeling good, I'm playing quite well," he said. "I've had quite a few consistent weeks, my game is in really good shape and it's a golf course that I think suits my game so I'm happy right now.
"My putting lately hasn't been up to the rest of the game but I've been hitting the ball really solid for quite a few weeks and months now and this week it's all about hitting fairways and greens so it should be a decent week.
"The crowds are always very supportive and the golf course is one that I know quite well. Hopefully the weather is going to be nice and I think everyone is up for a good week.
"The Italian Open is always a special week. The fans are always very supportive of us Italian players and you know most of the places quite well. It's always nice to play at home and enjoy some nice food as well."
