ALTA BADIA, Italy -- Davide Simoncelli captured his first World Cup victory Sunday, winning a giant slalom in which Bode Miller finished third.

Simoncelli won by 1.03 seconds and became the first Italian to win a giant slalom on the Gran Risa course since Alberto Tomba in 1994. He had a two-run time of 2 minutes, 33.90 seconds.

"Simoncelli today skied as well as I've ever seen anyone ski GS that second run," Miller said. "He was fluid the whole way, took huge risks and was really aggressive, and it looks effortless when that happens."

Finland's Kalle Palander was second and Miller finished 1.21 seconds behind. Other American finishers were Dane Spencer in 11th place and Daron Rahlves in 28th.

Miller won the season's first two giant slaloms, then failed to finish four of five races. He even took the unusual step of acting as a forerunner -- a skier who tests the course -- for a women's slalom.

"I didn't feel like I was ever off track," Miller said. "My skiing was pretty decent the whole time."

Hermann Maier of Austria held his overall World Cup lead despite finishing 26th. Miller is eighth in the standings.

Simoncelli had twice come close to winning on the steep and twisting course, finishing runner-up to Palander last week and to Miller in 2002. The Italian said the Gran Risa course suits his style.

"Right away, it's very steep," he said. "And then it's flat on the lower section, so I'm able to find my rhythm right away."

Simoncelli's best result away from Alta Badia was 15th in Park City, Utah, last season.

"I don't think that will be for long," Miller said.

Although he made some slips on the top part of the icy course, Simoncelli recovered well to power over the line to the roars of the home crowd.

"I was really nervous before the second race and I just couldn't wait to get started," said Simoncelli, "I made a few mistakes in the top section but that really woke me up and I knew I had to go for it then.

"I was aiming for top three here but I never expected to win -- it's wonderful."

The aggressive Palander, who won here a week ago, was 1.03 seconds behind, with Miller, the victor in the season's first two giant slaloms, a further 0.18 seconds back.

Miller, also Olympic silver medallist in giant, has been struggling for form recently and was pleased to have challenged for top spot.

"It's a good feeling to be on the podium. I feel I can get back my momentum... I just need to have some time to train," Miller said.

Tomba, a commentator on Italian TV, congratulated Simoncelli, who was the last skier on the course after also leading the first run.

"He told me to win more races," Simoncelli said. "But that will be difficult because I'm not Tomba."

The home team had four men in the top 10, with Massimiliano Blardone fourth, Arnold Rieder seventh and Alberto Schieppati celebrating a career-best eighth place.

While the Italians enjoyed one of their best days for some time, it was a disappointing race for the usually dominant Austrians.

Benjamin Raich, fifth, was the highest-placed Austrian with Stephan Goergl in 14th the next best finisher.

The men's circuit resumes with a downhill in Bormio next weekend.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.