Italian Open: Justin Rose back two after round one in Rome

Rose has been in the top three four times since winning the Order of Merit in 2007 Italian Open first round leaderboard-7 T Pulkkanen (Fin); -6 R Sabbatini (Svk); -5 S Sharma (Ind), B Wiesberger (Aut), J Rose (Eng), K Kitayama (USA), J Luiten (Ned); -4 J Hansen (Den), A Johnston (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (Eng) Selected others: -3 D Willett (Eng); -2 L Westwood (Eng); level P Casey (Eng), F Molinari (Ita); +1 S Lowry (Ire); +3 P Harrington; +9 JM Olazabal (Spa)

World number five Justin Rose is two shots of the lead at the Italian Open after a five-under 66 in Rome.

The 39-year-old, 31st in the European Tour & # 39; s Race to Dubai rankings, carded seven birds in the Olgiata Golf Club.

Austrian Bernd Wiesberger, third in the rankings, is in third place with Rose, with Finland & # 39; s Tapio Pulkannen one lead ahead.

Stand leader Jon Rahm, who won the Spanish Open last weekend, is not playing, with six events left after this week.

Out in the first group from the 10th tee at 7.30 am local time, world number 353 Pulkkanen poultryed five of his first eight holes.

Home favorite Francesco Molinari, twice a former winner of the tournament, is seven shots away from the pace set by Pulkkanen after three hits in his 71, with open champion Shane Lowry – second in the race to Dubai – one shot further back.