The squad of Gauthier Grumier, Yannick Borel, Daniel Jérent and Jean-Michel Lucenay dominated the competition before sweeping past Italy in the final.

It was France's first fencing gold medal since Beijing 2008 but, because the épée team event was not contested at London 2012, it was also a third consecutive victory in the event.

World number one and individual bronze medallist Grumier led the way as France won all nine of their final contests to take a 45-31 victory.

They celebrated passionately afterwards, jumping up and down and running towards the French fans.

"[It was] just the happiest moment in my fencing life," said Borel.

"You want to share this with your friends. 

"They are screaming, you are screaming, too."

France became the third country to win three straight gold medalsin the men's team epee event after Italy and Hungary. 

The victory also marked France's ninth Olympic title in the event, making them the most successful country in the history of the sport. 

Only four team events are ever contested at the Olympics, meaning one male and one female category misses out every third edition on a rotation policy.

Five-time Olympian Geza Imre inspired Hungary to a 39-37 win over world champions Ukraine in the bronze medal match. 

The 41-year-old added to an Olympic tally also consisting of individual bronze at Atlanta 1996, team silver in Athens 2004 and individual silver earlier at Rio 2016.

It brought to an end a week of fencing action in which Russia had led the way with four gold medals.