Martin Couvra is hoping to retain his Italian Open lead on Sunday despite challenging high temperatures after he finished Saturday's third round with a one-shot lead.
The Turkish Airlines Open champion, who finished with a birdie for a round of 67, ended the day on 11 under par at Argentario Golf Club - a shot clear of Spain's Eugenio Chacarra.
The Frenchman found himself two off the pace after 11 holes in Tuscany but clawed his way back to the summit after partner Spain's Angel Ayora stuttered to a 70.
"I'm really proud about my 18th, because I was really tired on the last few holes. It's quite difficult with the heat," Couvra told the DP World Tour.
"The course is so tough, so we needed to be very concentrated. I'm happy about the 18th.
"There's a lot of great players here, so you have to keep going. (The lead is) only one shot. I'll try to do my best on the last 18, and that's it.
"It's going to be a great experience because it's my first time being in this position. I'm really proud to be in this position and I hope to be there tomorrow."
Scotland's Calum Hill moved to within three shots of the lead after a third-round 64, with England's Alex Fitzpatrick alongside him on eight under.
Ireland's Conor Purcell missing the cut on Friday.
