TIVOLI, Italy (AFP) - Italian Riccardo Ricco, riding for the Saunier Duval team, won the eighth stage of the Tour of Italy here on Saturday, edging out world champion and compatriot Paolo Bettini while another Italian, Giovanni Visconti of Quick Step, retained the leader's pink jersey.

Ricco clinched a sprint finish after a run through the countryside around Latium, outside Rome.

Davide Rebellin placed third and another Italian, Franco Pellizotti, fourth as the home riders dominated the day's proceedings.