Italian Game: Classical Variation, Closed Variation

In the Italian Game: Classical Variation, Closed Variation, White's first move e4 is a central pawn move that aims to control the center and free the bishop. It also creates potential central pawn tension with Black's e5 pawn and opens lines for the queen and bishop. This move puts pressure on Black to respond precisely in order to maintain equality. Additionally, it prepares the way for White to develop the knight to f3 with the idea of supporting the pawn on e4 and attacking Black's center.

Black's move e5 after 1. e4 is a central pawn move that aims to claim control over the center. It also opens up lines for the queen and bishop, and prepares for the development of the knight. By mirroring White's central pawn move, Black hopes to maintain positional balance and equal control over the board. Putting pressure on White's pawn on e4 is also a possible idea. However, this move does weaken the d5 square and can lead to potential weaknesses in Black's position if not played accurately.

White's move Nf3 after 1. e4 e5 is a developing move that helps control the center and prepares for future castling. It also attacks Black's e5 pawn, which may have to be defended or moved, allowing White to gain more control over the center. The knight on f3 also helps support the pawn on e4, making it harder for Black to undermine White's central control. Additionally, this move could potentially prepare for a future d4 pawn push in order to gain more space in the center.

In the Italian Game: Classical Variation, Closed Variation, Black's move Nc6 after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 is a developing move that aims to control the center and puts pressure on White's knight. It also prepares for future moves like d6, allowing Black's bishop on f8 to be developed. This move keeps positional balance and symmetry, mimicking White's development. Additionally, by developing the knight to c6, Black has the option to later push the d5 pawn, which would attack White's center and help gain control of more space on the board.

White's move Bc4 after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 is a developing move that aims to control the center and prepares for castling. It also attacks Black's f7 pawn, making it a potential target for future tactics and developing the bishop. Additionally, the bishop on c4 is well-placed to put pressure on Black's knight on c6, which could be forced to move or trade off if Black is not careful. Finally, this move also keeps the option of pushing the d4 pawn in order to gain more central control and space.

Black's move Bc5 after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 is a developing move that aims to control the center and develop the bishop. It also mirrors White's move and follows common opening principles of developing pieces and controlling central squares. By developing the bishop on c5, Black puts pressure on White's central pawn on e4 and prepares for future moves like d6 and Nf6 in order to further control the center and develop the knight. Finally, this move puts Black in a good position to castle and strengthens Black's pawn structure in the center.

In the Italian Game: Classical Variation, Closed Variation, White's move c3 after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 is a solid move that prevents future pawn pushes from Black like d4 and prepares for the development of the queen's knight. It also prepares for the pawn on d4 to potentially become isolated, if Black chooses to push it, giving White better central control. By pushing the pawn to c3, White also clears the b1-h7 diagonal for their queen and bishop and prepares for future moves like d4 or Nd2, which would further strengthen White's central control and potentially take more piece squares away from Black's pieces. Finally, this move strengthens White's pawn structure by connecting the pawn chain and protecting the d4 square.

Black's move Qe7 after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.c3 is a developing move that aims to connect the rooks and control the d4 square. The queen on e7 also puts pressure on White's pawn structure and prepares for future moves like Nd7 and Nf6, which would further centralize Black's knights and control more space. Additionally, Qe7 prepares for possible queen-side castling and strengthens Black's pawn structure by connecting the b8-h2 diagonal. Finally, this move avoids potential tactics from White such as Nd4 or Bxf7, which could be tricky to defend against otherwise.