Sound Energy has kick-started work on its Badile exploration well site.
The firm, which is a European and African focuses upstream company, is carrying out operations onshore in Northern Italy.
The rig is expected to mobilize in the final quarter of this year. It will begin drilling at the end of the year.
Chief executive James Parsons said: “Following our recent success in Morocco, I am pleased to initiate the countdown to our second Strategic Play. Badile is a material gas prospect and one of our largest and most strategic assets.
“I look forward to this opportunity to repeat our success at Tendrara.”
Investors will be able to observe operations through the company’s webcam, which will go live later this week.