I would like to order the main course now.
se-CON-do — three syllables, stress on the second.
After finishing the first course ('primo') and ready to order the second course ('secondo') — the meat or fish course.
'Il secondo' is literally 'the second' — the second course of an Italian meal, consisting of meat or fish. In Italian dining structure, pasta or risotto always comes first. Ordering both at the same time is possible but not the traditional approach.
Cosa avete come secondo?
What do you have for the main course?
Ask to hear the options before deciding
Per secondo prendo il pollo alla cacciatora.
For my main I'll have the chicken cacciatore.
Direct order using 'per secondo'
Prendo solo un primo, grazie.
I'll just have a first course, thank you.
Skip the second course — perfectly acceptable, though some waiters will try to encourage you
Traditional Italian meals are structured into multiple courses eaten in sequence. Restaurants will not bring your 'secondo' until you have finished your 'primo'. This pacing is intentional — eating slowly and fully is part of the Italian philosophy of the table.