Best response to the Italian Game: Classical Variation (C53)

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 · Black to move

What is the best response to the Italian Game: Classical Variation (1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3)? Black to move. See the top replies ranked by opening theory and real-game results, starting with Qe7.

The main theoretical reply is Qe7, reaching the Italian Game: Classical Variation, Closed Variation.