Saragossa Opening

This opening begins with 1. c3, and in my opinion, is much better than the Ponziani. Here are some possible variations after 1. c3: 1...Nf6 (Fritz's top choice, which it says slightly favors Black), 1...Nc6, 1...d5, 1...g6, 1...d6, 1...e5, and 1...e6. It has been played by such well-known chess players as Tartakower, Ivkov, Hort, and van der Wiel. The evaluation of this opening by Fritz is similar to its evaluation of the Ponziani.

3.c3 in the Ponziani prepares d2-d4. 1.c3 here prepares what exactly?

@Mainline_Novelty: 1.c3 also prepares d4.

but you can play d4 in one move.

1.c3 is OK, people will try to disagree, but honestly it doesnt lose on the spot, nor does it give black an almost crushing advantage. It will most likely end up as said, either a colle type thing if they play d5 or c5, or a scandinavian/CK if they play e5.