Rossetti, the current world number one, topped the podium with a score of 54 hits from 60 targets at the Foxlodge Shooting Range in Russia's capital city.

The 22-year-old, whose father Bruno claimed bronze in the skeet event at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, held off competition from first-time finalist Vincent Haaga of Germany to secure the title.

Haaga was second on 52 hits, while bronze was sealed by 2007 world champion and four-time Olympian Georgios Achilleos of Cyprus.

Achilleos managed to score 42 hits to take the third and final place on the podium.

"This World Championship has been more difficult than winning the Games.” Rossetti said.

“There are more athletes competing in the World Championship as there are hundreds of shooters and everybody has a chance.

“I only felt the tension during the last ten targets of the final. 

"I was more nervous than in Rio. 

"Even if I am the Olympic Champion, even if I am the number one in the world, every match is a new start, is a new challenge.

"This is an important medal. 

"Especially after finishing in second at the European Championship."

The triumph for Rossetti helped Italy claim the team crown on 364 targets.

Russia were second with a total of 363 hits and the Czech Republic took bronze with 361.

Emil Kjelgaard Petersen of Denmark earned the junior men's skeet honours as he scored 54 hits.

Petersen largely owed his victory to hitting 32 consecutive targets midway through the match as he ousted Elia Sdruccioli of Italy, who claimed silver on 53.

Nicolas Vasiliou of Cyprus won bronze on 41 hits.

The event in Moscow continues tomorrow with the skeet mixed team competition.