Martina Batini triumphed in the women's foil tournament in Plovdiv ©Getty Images

Italy dominated the first day of the European Fencing Championships as Martina Batini and Davide Di Veroli clinched individual titles in Plovdiv.

Olympic team bronze medallist Batini topped a remarkable Italian podium sweep in the senior women's foil contest at the Kolodruma.

She was given the victory in the final after sixth seed Martina Favaretto was forced to withdraw with an injury.

Batini's team-mate from the Tokyo 2020 group event Alice Volpi shared the third step of the podium with countrywoman Francesca Palumbo as they both lost in the semi-finals.

Although not a monopoly as in the women's event, the Italians stamped their authority on the men's épée tournament.

The current European Fencing Championships is the third time that Plovdiv has played host after the 1998 and 2009 editions ©Getty Images
The current European Fencing Championships is the third time that Plovdiv has played host after the 1998 and 2009 editions ©Getty Images

Davide di Veroli led a one-two with Federico Vismara after beating his compatriot in a thrilling contest that ended 15-14.

Marco Brinkmann of Germany had to settle for bronze after also losing to Di Veroli, this time by a 15-12 scoreline. 

He was joined by Mateusz Antkiewicz in third place after the Polish athlete suffered a convincing 15-7 defeat to Vismara.

Competition is set to continue tomorrow in Bulgaria with the women's épée and men's sabre tournaments.

Following that, Sunday (June 18) is set to see the men's foil and women's sabre winners crowned.