The 28-year-old’s victory means she has won a medal in this race at seven world championships and consolidates her position as one of Italy's top athletes of all time.
"Now I can say that I'm at peace," the veteran athlete told Italian broadcaster RAI, hinting towards retirement.
"This is my last 200 metres freestyle race. I will keep swimming, but I will follow a different path."
Head of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), Giovanni Malagò, was delighted to see Pellegrini take home gold at the event.
"I'm speechless. It's endless emotion, like the first day, perhaps more," Malagò said.
"It’s an unexpected joy but Federica never stops amazing us. She's certainly the greatest athlete I've ever seen. "
Pellegrini was not the only success for Italy on day four of the championships.
In the men’s 800 metre freestyle, Gabriele Detti set a new European and Italian record at 7:40.77, winning the gold medal.
Additionally, Gregorio Paltrinieri added a bronze in that race.
With ANSA
