Playing 4. c3 to prepare for an immediate d4.
The Exeter Chess Club emphasizes that beginners should prioritize open games like the Italian because they teach critical fundamentals of piece coordination and attacking patterns before diving into the "static" positional struggles found in more closed systems. The Italian Game for beginners | Exeter Chess Club Exeter Chess Club: The Italian Game for beginners
According to the Exeter Chess Club Italian Game Guide, the primary goal for White is rapid development and central control: Playing 4
The guide highlights that "knowledge of tactics is the foundation of positional play". For beginners, the Italian Game offers frequent opportunities to use: Exeter Chess Club: The Italian Game for beginners