The 31-year-old hit 43 out of 50 targets to seal the gold medal at the Russian capital's Foxlodge Shooting Range.

He had never won an ISSF gold medal before, or participated at a World Championships, but the world number 18 saved his best form for when it mattered most.

His victory follows gold for Italian colleague Jessica Rossi, the London 2012 Olympic gold medallist who won the women's event yesterday with the same score.

It further helped Italy, also including Giovanni Pellielo and Valerio Grazini, to the team title on a total of 362.

"This is my first World Championship," said Resca, who led for most of the match before slipping at the end and just holding on to first spot.

"I arrived here in Moscow coming from a bad performance at this year's European Championship in Baku, where I wasted all my chances at the last series. 

"I really wanted to do well here, to show what I can do.

 "It has been a great final. 

"The new format with 50 targets is perfect and really fair. 

"I have been preparing for it, and I was ready. 

"I missed some clays at the end of the match just because I was a bit tired."

Great Britain's Edward Ling, the Rio 2016 Olympic bronze medallist, won silver today with 40 hits.

Bronze went to Jiri Liptak of the Czech Republic on 33.

"I have been training at the new shooting range opened by Jessica Rossi I live near, and it's a great place to train," said Resca.

"Finally I have a gold medal around my neck. 

"This title pays off all the sacrifices and hard work. 

"I have been shooting for 16 years now, and I would like to dedicate this victory to my family. 

"They always supported me, through huge sacrifices."

 Czech Republic were second in the team competition on 359 with Spain third on 357.

The mixed team trap will continue the Championships tomorrow.