If White wants to leave the symmetry against the Petroff as quickly as possible, they can consider 3.d4. After this 3rd move, Black must above all make sure that White cannot open the central lines under favourable circumstances. The aim is to develop their own pieces quickly.
Experience shows that Black is usually more familiar with the variation starting with 3.Nxe5. By choosing the move 3. d4, White can bypass the main system and at the same time test how safe Black is in the variation with 3.d4. As a rule, the result will be a position that gives both sides chances.
In this respect, the concluding sentence that we already applied to the Petroff with 3. Nxe5 also applies here:
The Petroff is one of the openings that you can play for a lifetime. For the newcomer at the board, it is attractive that natural and obvious moves in the opening determine the picture. Even when the theoretical knowledge ends, you can continue to play well. And with increasing experience, the opening lends itself to challenging the opponent more. The Petroff remains true to you, regardless of your style of play.
Would you like to learn this opening? You can find specialised opening training courses here: Petroff Defence