The 25-year-old has been the dominant force in the sprint events so far this season and headed to Switzerland in search of a third successive victory in an event that is part of the International Ski Federation Cross-Country World Cup.

After recording a time of 2min 45.92sec to top qualification, the Italian won his quarter-final and finished as the runner-up in the semi-final to remain in contention for another win.

Russia's Sergey Ustiugov and Norway’s Finn Hagen Krogh both put in strong performances, but Pellegrino was able to hold off their challenge in the closing stages of the final to cross the line in 2:43.14.

Ustiugov finished just 0.40 seconds behind the winner, with Krogh earning his first sprint podium of the season, clocking 2:41.65.

“I knew if I am first before the last 100 metres I should win this,” Pellegrino, whose victory equalled the best winning streak of his career, said.

“In the next stages I want to stay close to the leaders and go for another strong performance in Oberstdorf."

Pellegrino’s triumph also saw him become the best Italian sprinter of all time with six World Cup victories to his name.

He had previously shared the record with Christian Zorzi.

Norway’s Maiken Caspersen Falla also boasts three sprint wins from four races this season, after she emerged as the winner in a tightly fought women’s competition.

The Olympic sprint champion crossed the line in 3:06.70, with Sweden’s Ida Ingemarsdotter earning her first individual sprint podium since 2012, crossing the line in second, 0.40 behind the winner.

Another Norwegian, Ingvild Flugstad Østberg, battled to third place in 3.07.24, while the United States’ Sophie Caldwell narrowly missed out on a podium place after ending the race 0.49 seconds behind the Norwegian.

The women’s 15km and the men’s 30km mass start classic races are due to take place tomorrow.