The Italian quartet triumphed in the 4x1.5km relay with a time of 1:10:31.2.
Gregorio Paltrinieri, who took the silver medal in the men’s 5km individual open-water event, brought the team home in the final leg after excellent work by Barbara Pozzobon, Ginevra Tadeucci and Domenico Acerenza.
The silver medal went to Hungary while Australia completed the podium.
“We are delighted,” said Paltrinieri.
“It’s the first time that we have won the (team open-water) gold at the world championships.
“We have won everything and against everyone over the years, but this medal was the one we lacked.
“We really wanted it.”
It was Italy’s sixth medal of the championships and the first gold.
ANSA
