The world champion caught his Portuguese team-mate after a brave ride, holding off Alpecin-Fenix's Mathieu van der Poel of The Netherlands and Belgium's Wout van Aert of Jumbo-Visma.

Alaphilippe stated he had intended to let Almeida take the stage win, but overtook his team-mate when he saw him struggling.

"I was focused on keeping my position and it was a perfect situation for us, with João Almeida [up front], and for me to follow the attacks in the final kilometres," Alaphilippe said.

"I kept my position in the front with the help of Kasper Asgreen and Zdenek Stybar, and we saw Joåo going full gas in the last kilometre, so I was focused on what was happening behind me and everyone was on the limit.

"When I saw Joåo, I went full gas. 

"This victory makes me really happy."

Reigning Tour de France champion Tadej Pogačar of UAE Team Emirates was fourth, followed by Astana-Premier Tech's Alex Aranburu Deba of Spain in fifth.

Overall leader Van Aert's advantage is down to four seconds to Alaphilippe, while Van der Poel is in third, eight seconds behind.

Russia's Pavel Sivakov of Ineos Grenadiers and Spain's Mikel Landa of Bahrain Victorious are sitting fourth and fifth in the general classification.

Stage three is set to take place on a 189km hilly route from Monticiano to Gualdo Tadino.