A picture of four triumphant multi-ethnic Italian athletes is being shared far and wide on social media.

It has hit a chord with Italians, as many people are hailing it a symbol of modern Italy, offering a "riposte" to the country's government's new tough immigration policies.

Libania Grenot, Maria Benedicta Chigbolu, Ayomide Folorunso and Raphaela Lukudo won the 4x400m relay on Saturday at the Mediterranean Games in Spain, breaking the Games record.

The photo has been shared more than 14,000 times on Facebook, and garnered hundreds of comments, most of which celebrate the women's achievement and view them as a positive reflection of Italy's multicultural make-up.

"Here is finally a place where the tricolour makes sense," posted one Twitter user.