Valeria Palmieri scored a hat-trick for Italy in their victory ©Getty Images

Olympic silver medallists Italy eased to a 14-4 victory over France in Florence as the first qualifying match for the 2017 International Swimming Federation (FINA) Women's Water Polo World League was played today.

Two European qualifying groups of three teams will be contested with each side meeting the other on a home and away basis.

The Italians, quarter-finalists at last season's World League Super Final, were far too strong for the French.

Both Valeria Palmieri and Roberta Bianconi helped themselves to hat-tricks in the rout in Group B.

Hungary, fourth at Rio 2016, will also contest Group B while Group A features Olympic bronze medallists Russia, Greece and The Netherlands.

Roberta Bianconi also scored three for the Olympic silver medallists ©Getty Images
Roberta Bianconi also scored three for the Olympic silver medallists ©Getty Images

The two group winners and the best runner-up will progress to the Super Final next year, with dates and a host yet to be confirmed.

Greece will host The Netherlands in Piraeus with France entertaining Hungary in Lille in the next round of qualifiers on November 29.

Four teams from an Intercontinental Tournament, which is also yet to be arranged, will also qualify for the Super Final with the host nation given an automatic berth.

United States, who beat Italy 12-5 to win the Olympic gold medal in Rio in August, are also the defending World League champions.

They beat Spain 13-9 in the gold medal match at the Super Final in Chinese city Shanghai.