EDDIE Pepperell made a strong start to the Italian Open when carding a four-under-par 67 in the first round.

Starting at the tenth at Gardagolf CC in Brescia, the Frilford Heath member picked up shots at his fourth and seventh holes.

A bogey at the first saw him slip back to one under.

But he immediately picked up a shot at his 11th, before birdies at his 15th and 16th holes saw him finish on four under for the day.

The World 99 will begin his second round at 8am tomorrow, partnering Miguel Angel Jimenez and Adrian Otaequi.