Best Response to Italian Game: Knight Attack, Polerio, Bishop Check as black

Question

What is the tactical difference between the following:

Italian Game: Knight Attack, Polerio, Bishop Check Line

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Ng5 d5 5.exd5 Na5 6.Bb5+ c6

VS.

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Ng5 d5 5.exd5 Na5 6.Bb5+ Bd7

I was thinking I wanted to keep my pawn structure and go with Bd7. What is the downside for not making the book move c6?

What are the tactics of c6 VS Bd7

Answer 1

Great question! Both variations are playable. I would say c6 is safer. Black ends up down pawn with the bishop pair and more development. Bd7 is very tactical. Lines like Qe2 should be studied thoroughly if you choose to play in this sharp manner. I have recommendations for other lines that are similar to deal with the Ng5 threat without losing a pawn if you are interested.