Viktor Hovland really set the tone by knocking in that chip on the first.

As the senior partner, Hovland led from the front and helped Ludvig Aberg grow into the round on his Ryder Cup debut.

Remember: Aberg has not even played in a major yet. Incredible.

Europe were almost always in command against a pair of US rookies, who will be disappointed with their debuts.

Image source, BBC Sport

A clean sweep for Europe is on the cards...

BBC Radio 5 Live

Image source, Getty Images

Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton took the first point of the Ryder Cup and reflected on it to BBC Radio 5 Live:

How satisfying was that win?

Jon Rahm: "There really isn't a much better feeling. In foursomes, the key is not to give away holes and we did that. We have been able to combine good enough shots and good enough saves. If you do that you end up with a good round."

Tyrell Hatton: "Jon is a fantastic player and is always going to be there to back you up. We enjoy each other's company. It was a great morning - and nice to play good golf as well."

Celebrations on the 15th green as Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Aberg seal a magnificent victory.

Hovland knocks a bunker shot close and that's a wrap.

The Norwegian has been incredible this morning, showing why he is one of the world's best.

Europe 2 United States 0.

Matt Wallace
Four-time European Tour winner on BBC Radio 5 Live

The crowds are loving it, the weather is fantastic and what an opportunity for Europe to go four up this morning.

It's something Luke Donald would have dreamed about last night.

If the American don't win this hole then it is game over.

They don't look like earning an extra life here... Harman sprays a shot off the fairway on the 15th.

Fans are ducking for cover, he's left contemplating ploughing his iron into the ground.

You wanted a fast start, Luke Donald?

It's all over at the 15th with Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton blitzing Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns.

It's been a procession for Europe and it looks like it's only going to get better over the next half hour.

Shane Lowry lips out from 41 feet with a tremendous effort, but Rickie Fowler goes one better from about the same distance to drain a monster and finally show some signs of life for Team USA.

That's an incredible putt and brilliant way to get it back to just 2UP for Europe, can they start building some momentum now?

Four up, four to play.

Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Aberg will not be beaten this morning.

This pair fuelled lots of excitement - the in-form Hovland with the prodigious Aberg - and they have showed exactly why.

Aberg sinks a birdie putt on the 14th to leave his pair on the brink of victory.

Matt Wallace
Four-time European Tour winner on BBC Radio 5 Live

I like to play quite a bit, I would have payed Wentworth, then had that week off and then a week of prep specifically for the Ryder Cup.

[The Americans] having this much time off - it's difficult to get right into it and get where your game is at.

Image source, Getty Images

Here we go then... can Rory McIlroy put more daylight between the two pairs?

Yes he can.

Another chance for Europe...

Schauffele converts a par putt from up close, but McIlroy has a chance of a birdie after that wonderful Fleetwood chip.

Oh my!

Tommy Fleetwood almost holes out from the side of the 11th green, a deft touch of the wedge leaving his ball flirting with the hole.

The crowd thought it was going to drop. So did Fleetwood judging by his reaction of looking up to the blue skies with his mouth wide open.

Image source, Getty Images

Nobody really mentioned Sepp Straka and Shane Lowry as a pairing - and part of it may be down to them simply using the same brand of golf ball, but they've been an incredible team.

Shane Lowry hits a lovely approach and Straka pours in the putt for par, to pile the pressure on Rickie Fowler's six-footer to win the hole - which he slides wide left and Europe escape with a half.

Another job on the 13th for Homa to close out, this time for a half.

Simple stuff. It keeps the Americans alive and kicking - but they're running out of holes.

Steve Sutcliffe
BBC Sport at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, Rome

“Vamos Jon” and “go Rahmbo” are getting quite an airing from the sea of fans around the 12th, 13th and 14th holes.

The world number three and reigning Masters champion has looked in great touch in what has thus far been a very fruitful partnership with England’s Tyrrell Hatton.

Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns haven’t really given the US supporters much to cheer about at all.

Image source, BBC Sport

Image source, BBC Sport

Image source, BBC Sport

All on Patrick Cantlay... assured stuff from a man considered as one of the best putters on tour.

That's for the half.

Not hugely surprising but Sam Burns is off target with his chip.

Jon Rahm tucks home the putt and the hole is halved.

Four up, four to play.

Iain Carter
BBC golf correspondent on BBC Radio 5 Live

I have a feeling that this bottom match may just go the distance and set the seal on where this opening sequence of matches finishes up.

McIlroy and Fleetwood will be digging deep.