Team and individual sprint races where scheduled in the centre of Milan on January 21 and 22, but will now take place in Livigno.

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) and Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI) have blamed rising costs associated with a city-centre competition for the move.

Warm weather, drought and inflationary pressure have already led to more than a dozen FIS World Cup contests being cancelled or postponed this season.

FIS and FISI officials have already conducted an on-site inspection in Livigno and are satisfied with arrangements there.

"Of course we are looking to have as few changes to the original calendar programme as possible," FIS cross-country race director Michal Lamplot said.

"Nevertheless, we are aware of challenges organisers are facing these days with global issues affecting their events. 

"That is why we remain in constant exchange and need to be able to react on time. 

"With Livigno, FISI has presented a great alternative for the sprint weekend in January and we are looking forward to get the final preparations underway."

A city sprint in Estonia's capital Tallinn remains on the FIS Cross-Country World Cup calendar in March.

Milan is due to co-host the Winter Olympics and Paralympics in four years' time, although not with cross-country skiing.

Livigno is also due to stage snowboard and freestyle skiing during the Games, but again not cross-country.