Hungarian Sarolta Kovacs, who is the 2016 World Champion had started the Laser-Run with a lead of 13 seconds but Esposito gradually reduced the deficit before overtaking her rival on the final visit to the shooting range.

“My fencing performance was the best I've ever had in my life so I was really happy with that, and then I equaled my personal best in swimming,” Esposito told UIPM media.

"In the riding, I was so happy to have a clear round and then I went into Laser-Run in 2nd place, which is strange for me because I usually start further back.

"I was a little worried I wouldn't handle the shooting pressure but everything went well," she said.

Kovacs hung on for silver but the bronze medalist Gintare Venckauskaite of Lithuania, was the story of the day after she had embarked on the Laser-Run in 24th place but surged through the field to reach the podium.

Esposito’s victory comes after her success at Pentathlon World Cup Kecskemet last month where her performance that promoted her to No.2 in the world rankings.