DAVID Howell will be hoping to put the disappointment of last week’s missed cut behind him when he returns to action at the Italian Open today.

Swindon star Howell had an opening round to forget at the KLM Open in the Netherlands last time out, with a four-over score scuppering his chances of making the weekend as he eventually finished well down the leaderboard in a tie for 110th place.

The result was a setback for the Broome Manor pro, who had returned some encouraging results since teaming up with new coach Brad Malone, highlighted by a tied third finish at the Czech Masters in late August.

That is the sole top-10 finish for Howell on the European Tour this season, with the two-time Ryder Cup player’s 2016 blighted by a foot injury earlier in the year.

With the Italian Open just one of seven events left on the European Tour before the Race to Dubai cut-off in November, Howell knows he needs a strong finish to the year to qualify for the season’s grand finale.

The 41-year-old is currently down in 107th in the Race to Dubai rankings, with only the top 60 players receiving entry into the Final Series.

Howell will hope to be inspired by what is likely to be a large following for his grouping at Golf Club Milano as he has been partnered alongside home favourite Matteo Manassero for the opening two rounds.

South Korea’s Byeong Hun An completes the three-ball, with the players teeing off at 12.50pm BST this afternoon.