The Italian rider saw off the challenge of compatriot Giovanni Visconti and Germany's Max Schachmann, who finished second and third respectively to become the third Italian to claim a stage victory during the race so far -- the first time Italians have taken stage victories in three of the first five stages since 2009.

In the race for the Maglia Rosa, Rohan Dennis will retain the jersey heading into tomorrow's stage around Mount Etna -- he leads Tom Dumoulin by a second. Simon Yates and Tim Wellens are slightly further back -- 17 seconds and 19 seconds behind respectively.

Team Sky's Chris Froome is 57 seconds off the pace after a torrid start as he aims to complete cycling's Triple Crown.