Italian jobs await Australia's top two in Rome exams

Alexei Popyrin faces a tough test in his first-round match at the Italian Open against a local hero. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)

Alex de Minaur and Alexei Popyrin are looking for an upturn in fortunes as they hit the clay courts of the Foro Italico in Rome in the build-up to the French Open.

But they've been presented with tough opening hurdles at the Italian Open against local players.