Garth Mulroy

South African Garth Mulroy will take a one-shot lead into the final round of the Italian Open after carding a six-under 66 on Saturday.

Sitting a shot behind overnight leader Richard Bland, Mulroy started his third round with a birdie at the first hole before dropping a shot on the third.

He made up for his only blemish of the day with six more birdies, including one to close out his round at the par-5 18th, finishing on 17 under overall.

Spaniard Gonzalo Fdez-Castano is one shot adrift after a topsy-turvy 67 that included seven birdies, an eagle and four bogeys, while countrymen Pablo Larazabal and Rafael Cabrera-Bello carded 65 and 66 respectively to share third place on 15 under.

European Ryder Cup representatives Nicolas Colsaerts and Martin Kaymer are in a six-way tie for fifth place on 13 under, with Bland alongside them after grinding to a one-under 71 on Saturday.

Italian Matteo Manassero, Welshman Phillip Price and Frenchman Gregory Bourdy are also among the group four shots off the pace.