Marco Odermatt has high hopes ahead of tomorrow's Alpine Ski World Cup leg in Santa Caterina after finishing second in Sölden ©Getty Images

Marco Odermatt is targeting more success in the giant slalom as the men's International Ski Federation (FIS) Alpine Ski World Cup resumes with a doubleheader in Santa Caterina in Italy.

The Swiss skier, a six-time gold medallist at the Junior World Championships, made a strong start to the season with a second-place finish in Sölden in the discipline.

Odermatt was a mere five thousandths of a second behind the victorious Lucas Braathen of Norway in the Austrian resort.

It was the fifth time the 23-year-old had finished on the World Cup podium - four of those coming in the giant slalom.

His maiden World Cup victory came at Beaver Creek 12 months ago, but was in super-G.

Odermatt is determined to put himself in the mix for another medal as he prepares to compete in Santa Caterina tomorrow.

"I am very happy," said Odermatt in an interview with Olympic Channel.

Alexis Pinturault leads the overall standings after winning the parallel giant slalom in Lech-Zürs ©Getty Images
Alexis Pinturault leads the overall standings after winning the parallel giant slalom in Lech-Zürs ©Getty Images

"I never expected that I could aim for the podium or even for a victory at my age, so a dream came through in the last couple of years.

"But for sure, if you're on this level now, you still want to improve and get better and better.

"And that's why we are working every day to stay on this level or even improve a little bit.

"I'm in the top seven in the giant slalom and the top 10 in the super-G.

"As soon as you reach that group, that means you are able to ski for the podium or even for a victory.

"I hope to be on the podium as much as possible.

"Last year I could stand on the podium twice and after the first race [of this season], I made my first podium, so I will try to show my best skiing in nearly each race. 

"That's the big hope."

Coronavirus countermeasures are in place in Santa Caterina ©Getty Images
Coronavirus countermeasures are in place in Santa Caterina ©Getty Images

Santa Caterina has stepped in to stage the third and four legs of the men's FIS Alpine Ski World Cup after they were moved from Val-d'Isère in France due to a lack of snow.

The Italian resort has not held a men's World Cup leg since the 2016-2017 season.

Braathen will hope to back up his giant slalom success in Sölden and return to the top of the overall standings.

France’s Alexis Pinturault currently leads the way on 150 points after winning the parallel giant slalom race in Lech-Zürs last week.

Henrik Kristoffersen is second on 125, ahead of his fellow Norwegian Braathen on 113.

A total of 69 athletes from 21 countries are due to compete in Santa Caterina tomorrow.

A second giant slalom race is then set to follow on Sunday (December 6).