1 e4 e5 2 Bc4

I'm coming across many players on Lichess (especially when playing 10+0 on guest accounts) who look as though they're playing a Scholar's Mate opening but after 2 ... Nc6 they play 3 Nf3 and transpose into an Italian.

I've been assuming they're testing your response to Bc4 and, if you play correctly, they pivot to a more sensible opening. However, is this correct? Is there another explanation for this move order? I'm aware that the moves correspond to the Bishop's opening, but I thought this was just a part of chess history and no longer relevant.

Anyway, just wondering.

One of the points of 2 Bc4 is to avoid the Petrov.

bc4 is old opening called bishops opening and can transpose few other. There is nothing wrong with it. It puts immediate pressure on f7 so why not.

I'm always support Italian/bishop's opening...It’s absolutely disgusting to see those who try to take advantage of beginnerin order to boost their elo

@L_Vst said ^

It’s absolutely disgusting to see those who try to take advantage of beginnerin order to boost their elo

Surely no one would do that, right? ;D

I don't think many (except at the beginner level) are expecting to deliver a scholar's mate. They play the Bishop's Opening because white can transpose to other openings or keep an independent character.
1 e4 e5 2 Bc4 Nf6
3 Nc3 is the Vienna
3 Nf3 Nc6 (3... Nxe4 4 Nc3 Nxc3 5 dxc3 is a gambit that may catch an unprepared opponent) is the Two Knights
3 d3 Bc5 4 Nf3 is the Italian

There are independent lines eg
1 e4 e5 2 Bc4 Nf6 3 d3 c6 4 Nf3 d5
1 e4 e5 2 Bc4 Nc6 3 d3 Nf6 4 f4

A good understanding of The Bishop's Opening helps you in many e4 e5 openings.

Positives:
White attacks f7, black's weakest point.
Begins development ala Philidor - d3, Nc3, f4/Nf3
Prevents ...d5

Negatives:
Allows ...c6 and ...d5.; ...Nf6!

...Be7? is a mistake.

White gets a tiny plus, but essentially equal game.