After winning the 2002 Giro, Savoldelli endured a series of injuries and health problems the last 24 months that almost ended his career.
However, the Italian rebounded by winning cycling's most prestigious event after the Tour de France, wearing the overall leader's pink jersey for the last eight stages of the 20-stage race.
The 32-year-old Italian completed the 3,464-kilometre race 28 seconds ahead of two-time Giro winner Gilberto Simoni. Venezuela's Jose Rujano Guillen was third, 45 seconds back.
Italy's Paolo Savoldelli toasts with a glass of champagne after he won the overall leader's pink jersey during the last stage of the Giro d'Italia on Sunday. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)
"My secret was to stay tranquil in the most difficult moments when I was under attack in the mountains and I slipped behind," said Savoldelli, who rides for Lance Armstrong's Discovery Channel. "I knew I could fight back later on. I believe I have proven my value in an otherwise unlucky career."
Savoldelli had a rash of bad luck the past two years, including breaking his leg in a crash and suffering various viruses. After he recuperated, he was involved in a crash this year while training with the Discovery Channel team.
Alessandro Petacchi won Sunday's final stage, beating out Erik Zabel in a group sprint in downtown Milan. Petacchi won four stages overall.
with files from Associated Press
