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Costazza wins first World Cup slalom

After winning her first career World Cup victory on Saturday, Chiara Costazza was equally quick to share the praise with the Italian team.

"During the race, you rely on yourself. But for the rest [of the time], skiing is a team sport," Costazza said after beating Nicole Hosp by 0.68 seconds in the slalom.

"We work so well together in our team. There is always a great atmosphere and everyone pushes the other to do better," she said.

On Friday, Costazza's teammate Denise Karbon won a women's World Cup giant slalom.

"What a couple of great days for Italian skiing to end the year with," said Costazza, whose best previous World Cup result was third at the Reiteralm slalom earlier this season.

Costazza, who led after the first leg, finished her second run on the Hochstein course in 57.01 seconds for a combined time of 1 minute, 54.97 seconds.

Hosp overtook Lindsey Vonn, who finished 25th, on top of the overall standings.

Tanja Poutiainen of Finland was third, 0.86 seconds behind.

Costazza, 23, was the first Italian in 10 years to win a women's World Cup slalom -- and the first non-Austrian winner since Dec. 29 last year.

"I felt the pressure and was a bit nervous going into my second run but just tried to do my best and avoid mistakes," Costazza added.

Hosp lost time halfway through her second leg as she briefly lost control and balanced on her right ski with her left leg up in the air.
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