The Italian: Analysis

8. 0-0 is the main line not 8. d5

Also what happens if white plays d6/Ng5 instead of Bh6 ? How can black ever hope to develop his pieces ? 

Ok thanks for the info! I was just wondering about this variation because Chessmaster says it's the "main line" according to its database after Bxa1 (it says that this variation is most common):

By "clear advantage" I mean "clear pressure against black with the e6 pawn".

black is better. He can try quite long to play for a win with about 0 risk though perhaps white might be able to hold :)

• Black is a pawn up 
• The pawn on e6 might become weak where the black position has no weakness. 
• White has not active plan. His pieces are kind of in the best places. His only idea is to conquer the h-file but that is countered easy
• Black has an easy plan to develop and try with his extra pawn