Villa registered an all-around total of 55.065 points, while her country managed an overall tally of 161.063 at the SSE Hydro.

Defending champions Russia finished second in the team standings with 160.363 points, while hosts Great Britain came third with 158.931.

Even though they competed in subdivision two of four, with several teams to follow, the Italians were confident they had the gold medal within their grasp.

"We didn't expect to finish ahead of the Russians, but we were aiming for first place," team member Asia D'Amato said. 

"They are strong but we are used to the pressure. 

"We are happy to win and place above the Russians."

Russia had competed in the first subdivision of the day and had to wait until the evening before collecting their silver medal.

They suffered several falls on the uneven bars and balance beam.

Britain's Amelie Morgan was the runner-up to Villa in the all-around rankings with 53.832 points.

Russia's Kseniia Klimenko claimed the bronze medal with 53.532 points.

Competition doubled up as a qualification for the junior apparatus finals on Sunday (August 5). 

Villa was the strongest qualifier in the vault with 14.249 points.

Klimenko came out on top in the uneven bars with 14.333 points, while Morgan and Russia's Vladislava Urazova both posted 13.500 in taking first place in the balance beam and floor exercise respectively.

The women's senior team final is due to take place tomorrow.

It will be followed by the apparatus finals on Sunday.