Anchored by world number two Inna Deriglazova, a Russian squad also consisting of Larisa Korobeynikova, Aida Shanayeva and Adelina Zagidullina performed superbly in cruising to victory over their European rivals.

They took an early lead at the Carioca Arena 3 before powering clear to win 45-39.

This avenged their defeat to the same opponents in last year's World Championships in Moscow.  

"I'm delighted we've managed to win the World Championships," said Deriglazova, who secured the winning touch.

"It's great to beat the Italians.

"It was a tough fight, especially my last fight."

Vezzali, who won her first World Championship medal 22 years ago in 1994, formed part of the gold medal winning team one year ago and teamed up with Martina Batini
Elisa Di Francisca and Arianna Errigo this time around. 

She remains marooned on 16 world titles, along with seven silver and four bronze.

The 42-year-old failed to qualify for what would have been a sixth Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in August and announced after the World Championships that the event will be the last of her competitive career.

"Fencing has been my life," she said afterwards.

"My foil has been with me since I was more than six years old, and together we've shared emotions, disappointments, medals, misfortunes, and tears of both joy and anger.

"In life, after every end there is always a new beginning.

"Today, I don't see a sunset, but rather a sunrise of new matches to be faced...and won."

France overpowered South Korea 45-18 to claim the bronze medal. 

Russian success continued in the team sabre competition which brought the week-long Olympic fencing test event to a close.

They overcame Hungary 45-38 to clinch the world title after Romania beat surprise package Iran for bronze, 45-35.