Setting the scene... the Italian way.

Entry at Piazza di Siena is free, and the beautiful park was full of people. Here Germany's Mario Stevens blending in with the locals...

The future looks bright for the French: Edouard Couperie walking the course with his two talented youngsters, Nina Mallevaey and Antoine Ermann – who both went on to deliver double clears.

The Roman trademark: The two white horses and the chariot.

Germany's Katrin Eckermann getting ready to get on Iron Dames Cala Mandia NRW.

The pathfinders: Laura Kraut and Bisquetta.

"I could have been better today but I had great team-mates to back me up," Kraut said after delivering a 4/4 result in Rome.

The Netherlands' Kim Emmen and Imagine jumped double clear.

Patiently waiting... Lee McKeever and Imperial HBF.

Team Ward entering the arena at Piazza di Siena.

Full focus in the warm-up area...

Nina Mallevaey and Nikka vd Bisschop flying the French flag.

Magnifique! Helena Stormanns saluting her pupil after a beautiful clear from the 25-year-old Mallevaey, who is on a roll at the moment.

Willem Greve and Pretty Woman Van 'T Paradijs for the Dutch.

Steve Guerdat & Co. keeping a close eye on the action.

Germany's Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann and Iron Dames Dubai du Cedre taking a moment.

Luck was not on the side of the Germans... With a team total of 20, they had to settle for fourth place in the end.

Italy's Giulia Martinengo Marquet and Delta Del'Isle jumping in front of their home crowd.

It was a tight battle between the French and the Americans, with the two teams going neck-to-neck until the last rounds.

Full house!

Karl Cook's Caracole de La Roque returned to Rome, where she won the Rolex Grand Prix last year.

Brazil's Rodrigo Pessoa and Major Tom.

Two De Azevedos deep in discussion amid the action.

The Swiss did not have their best day either and finished seventh.

McLain Ward watching Lillie Keenan.

The trainer-pupil duo delivered a double clear for the USA.

An integral part of Team USA: Lee McKeever.

Serious business... Team Fuchs on their way to the arena.

Support across borders... Brazil's Yuri Mansur and Italian vet Cristiano Pasquini.

Ben Maher and Enjeu de Grisien jumped clear for the Brits in round one.

To the delight of the Roman crowd, Italy finished third in the end.

As last to go for USA, McLain Ward and Imperial HBF secured the win by delivering a clear – a fence down would have led to a jump-off against the French.

Fair play – Switzerland's Steve Guerdat was among the first to congratulate Ward on his impeccable round.

Hugs all around for Team USA...

Team Ward with François and Claudia Mathy.

While the French had to settle for second, Nina Mallevaey had all the reason to smile after her double clear performance.

Antoine Ermann's Floyd des Pres gets a little snack after an impressive five-star Nations Cup debut.

Congratulations Team USA!