Poulter, who carded a blistering first-round 61, is one shot clear of Scotland's Paul Lawrie, with local favourite Emanuele Canonica three shots back.

The tournament was reduced to 54 holes after thunderstorms wiped out Friday's play without a single ball being struck.

And the start of Saturday's play was delayed by almost an hour due to lingering fog.

But Poulter began by amassing six straight pars before aceing the 16th hole - his seventh.

The immaculate 200-yard four iron was the third ace of his career and the 35th on the European Tour this season.

"I had a hole-in-one last year at the Italian Open and another one in Perth, and I haven't won anything. (with them). But I'll settle for a win Sunday," said Poulter, Rookie of the Year in 2000.

The 26-year-old from Luton backed it up with a birdie at 17 to go out in 33 and keep ahead of Canonica, who bagged five birdies in his front nine to go out in 31.

Poulter picked up three more birdies on the way home, spoiled only by a bogey at the second, as Canonica stumbled around the turn before recovering with three straight birdies.

But it was former Open champion Lawrie, out later, who was ultimately the biggest threat to lead with a 63 which included nine birdies.

"I gave myself a chance for tomorrow," said Lawrie who was rueing missed puts on the long 15th and 17th holes.

Order of Merit battle

In joint fourth after a big push is Argentine Angel Cabrera, who scorched round in 61, alongside Sweden's Henrik Nystrom (66).

Ireland's Padraig Harrington, who needs a top four finish to overhaul the absent Retief Goosen at the head of the Order of Merit, added a 68 to his opening 71 to lie 11 shots adrift in a tie for 34th.

The Italian Open is the penultimate event of the season but the last for players hoping to finish 115th or above in the Order of Merit and retain their Tour cards for next year.

The man on the cut-off mark going into the Rome event was Gary Orr.

But the Scot looks set to fight off any challengers for 115th position after a second-round 69 for nine under overall and a share of eighth place.