The Championships, held at Messe Düsseldorf, saw the men's foil and women's sabre competitions take place.

Foconi had a tough route to the final and pulled up in the third round against France’s Erwann Le Pechoux with cramp in his right leg.

He had to take the entire five-minute injury break allowed in international competition before returning to the piste to win 15-10.

Foconi, the reigning world champion and top of the International Fencing Federation (FIE) foil rankings, then saw off reigning champion Alexey Cheremisinov 15-11 in the semi-final.

Russian Cheremisibov had squeezed past France's Maxime Pauty 15-14 in the previous round, but was unable to match Foconi, who then gave a stunning showing against Garozzo in the final.

Garozzo, beaten in the final last year in Novi Sad, Serbia, had impressively seen off Enzo Lefort of France 15-8 in the semi-finals.

However, he could barely get near Foconi, who charged to a 15-4 success as both fencers suffered from cramp following a long day of competition.

The new European Champion said, “I am very happy because the cramp I suffered against Le Pechoux was bad and I needed the injury time-out. 

"But I finished the competition in my best form because my body recovered.

"I’m happy about the fight against Daniele because I controlled it with my mind.”

Ukraine's Kharlan then triumphed as she won 15-12 against surprise finalist Manon Brunet of France in the sabre.

FIE number 10 Brunet reached the final after stunning world number one and reigning European champion Sofya Velikaya 15-11 in the last four.

Velikaya has recently returned to competitive action in a bid to win the Olympic title at Tokyo 2020, after silver medals at the last two Olympics.

She only dropped eleven hits in the ranking round, topping the seeding for the knockout stage. 

The Russian had cruised into the semis, thumping Brunet's compatriot Charlotte Lembach 15-4 in the quarter-finals.

She went into the fight as firm favourite against Brunet who had to battle her way into the top four. 

The Russian opened up what seemed like an insurmountable lead before Brunet impressively turned the match around to set up a meeting with world number four and double Olympic bronze medallist Kharlan in the showpiece duel.

Triple world champion Kharlan had earlier endured a tight contest with Spain's Araceli Navarro in the round of 16, eventually progressing 15-13.

Prior to this competition, Kharlan had tasted European Championships glory five times, but not since 2014.

However, she stormed back to winning ways in Germany, defeating Hungary's Anna Marton 15-10 in the semis before besting Brunet.

The new European Champion, who was holding back the tears said, “It is just amazing. 

"This was a great return to the European podium and great preparation for the World Championships.

"It was a tough day and I’m very tired but it’s so incredible because I missed this feeling.

"I’ve worked very hard but I have to thank my coach and my supporters.

"A special thanks also goes to my sister, when she comes to an event I seem to win – she is here today and it’s happened again! She is my lucky charm.”

Tomorrow sees the men's épée and women's foil competitions.