A perfect performance from the shooting range helped Vittozzi guide Italy to victory in a superb anchor leg.

The Italian team, also featuring Samuela Comola, Dorothea Wierer and Hannah Auchentaller, used only two spare rounds, as they secured the title in 1hr 14min 39.7sec.

"It’s really amazing," said Vittozzi.

"Today was a really tough race, but we knew we could do a great race.

"We are really happy.

"I know that my standing shooting is really good.

"I wanted to push to the limit to put her in a bad position.

"I knew she was faster [on the tracks] than me so I had to try it like I did."

Denise Herrmann-Wick anchored hosts Germany home as they crossed the line in 1:15:04.4 to take silver with six spare rounds.

It was Herrmann-Wick’s third medal of the event after winning 7.5km sprint gold and 10km pursuit silver.

Sweden, with two penalties and 11 spare rounds, claimed bronze in 1:15:35.4.

France ended Norwegian star Johannes Thingnes Bø's quest for seven gold medals with victory in the men's 4x7.5km relay.

Quentin Fillon Maillet struck his five standing targets as he anchored France to the title.

The French team, also featuring Antonin Guigonnat, Fabien Claude and Emilien Jacquelin, had one penalty and nine spare rounds in their 1:21:48.1 win.

Norway had been undefeated in relays but had to settle for silver in 1:22:27.6 with two penalties and 14 spare rounds.

Sweden bagged bronze in 1:23:28.7 with one penalty and 13 spare rounds.