Perilli, who's younger sister Alessandra finished an agonising fourth after losing a three-way shootout for silver and bronze at London 2012, produced a succession of superb performances, roared on by a fanatical following from a Republic which boasts a population of just 32,000.

Only the final was a match too far, as Fatima Galvez of Spain proved too strong to take a 13-11 victory.

But Giardi, speaking after presenting Perilli with her medal, was delighted with the result and believes greater success will now follow.

"It was a brilliant performance," he said.

"The Perilli sisters have already qualified several quota places for Rio 2016 and we are confident of securing others.

"We will go there with the aim of getting better results."

He added that, while shooting is unequivocally their strongest sport, shown by a further bronze medal won in the mixed team trap two days later, they also hope to qualify competitors in athletics and maybe "one or two" others.

Since making its debut at Rome 1960, San Marino has competed at 14 Summer and nine Winter Games, but is yet to win that elusive first medal.

A four-strong team participated at London 2012, including the younger Perilli as well as archer Emanuele Guidi, swimmer Clinia Tili and 100m sprinter Martina Pretelli, all of whom benefited from receiving a wildcard place. 

San Marino also won 11 medals at this month's Games of the Small States of Europe in Icelandic capital Reykjavik and is due to host the next edition of the biennial event in 2017.

Related stories
April 2015: San Marino: Collaboration with the European Federations is vital