In one of the standout performances in the throwing disciplines, Russo took gold after throwing 12.88 metres.

Silver went to Ivan Zaleznyak of Kazakhstan with 11.94 and bronze going to Michal Pallag of the Czech Republic with 11.29.

On the track, one of the day’s star attractions came in the men’s 400 metres T11 in the form of reigning world champion Timothee Adolphe of France.

Adolphe recorded a comfortable triumph winning in 53.56sec, with his nearest rival Raul Abra Ortiz Carreon of Mexico who finished second in 57.29.

The podium was completed by Eduardo Man Uceda Novas of Spain who finished third in 59.12.

One of the day’s big gold medal hopes for the host nation was Annalisa Minetti in the women’s 1500m T11.

She faced only one rival in the event, but was unable to take victory which went to Turkey’s Havva Elmali in 5min 11.78sec, with Minetti crossing the line in 5:14.75.

Elsewhere in the field action took place across a host of long jump classes with Italy, who have sent a 65 strong team to the Grand Prix, taking a clean sweep of the medals in the men’s T44 and T61-64 category.

Gold went to Marco Cicchetti with a jump of 6.54m, with silver going to Roberto La Barbera with 6.15m and bronze to Augusto Irbin Vicco with 5.61m.

One of the big international stars in action in the throwing events was Paralympic and world champion Raoua Tlili of Tunisia who dominated the women’s discus throw F40-46 category.

Tlili won gold with a throw of 34.72, with silver going to Estefany Gi Macas Lopez of Ecuador with 24.33 and bronze to Florentina Hriscu with 16.14.

Action at the three-day meeting at the Armando Picchi Stadium is taking place behind closed doors and with coronavirus protocols in place.