The host nation, seeded third, began on the back foot as the Italians took the opening rubber before they managed to battle back to seal an historic triumph.

They went behind in all three matches but demonstrated a battling spirit which eventually saw them finish in top spot having broken Italian hearts.

The result saw Russia banish the memories of their loss at the hands of Italy in the 2015 final, which also went down to the deciding mixed doubles rubber.

Italy, who were bidding for a third consecutive crown, went ahead after Federica Bacchetta and Sofia Cimatti proved too strong for Russian opponents Daria Churakova and Irina Glimakova with a 6-4, 6-3 triumph.

The reigning champions then appeared to be cruising to a successful defence of their gold medal before Nikita Burmakin and Sergey Kuptsov rallied to overcome Michele Cappelletti and Matteo Marighella 5-7, 7-6, 6-4.

The success for Russia set up a tense decider and they were able to prevail in a reverse of the 2015 final as Burmakin and Churakova proved too strong for Marco Garavini and Bacchetta 1-6, 7-5, 6-2 to wrap up the World Team Championship crown.

“We were really waiting for this chance to get revenge,” Churakova said.

“We analysed our game and we really wanted to win today.

“We understood that we were up against very tough opponents, but today I think we were mentally stronger.”

Seventh seeds France clinched the bronze medal as they breezed to a commanding 2-0 victory over Spain by virtue of winning the first two ties.

Marie Eve Hoarau and Mathilde Hoarau eventually overcame Pilar Escandell and Rosa Sitja 7-6, 6-2 after a tense first set, before Regis Courtois and Pierre-Gilles Placide downed Gerard Rodriguez and Saulo Tejada, 6-4 6-4.