Going into today’s action at the Palasport Vespucci in Rome, both the visitors were above their opponents in the table by three points and knew a win or a 3-2, 3-1 or 2-1 defeat would see them through to the quarter-finals.

However, the size of the victory for the Italians mean they levelled finished on points in the group, but because they have a better record in bouts between the sides, 6-4, they moved above the French.

The evening got off to a good start for Thunder as Gianmario Serra beat Daniel Asenov in the flyweight bout on points.

Proceedings kept going in favour of the Italians as Michael Magnesi defeated Khalil El Hadri on points in the lightweight bout before the welterweight fight saw Erik Lazzarato completed the victory as he earned a split decision against Mohamed-Ali Ouali.

Bakary Diabira put the Roosters back in with a chance of progressing when he won the light-heavyweight bout against Adriano Sperandio on a split decision, meaning if Aleksandar Mraovic defeated Guido Vianello in the evening’s final tie, the visitors would go through.

However, Vianello put together a fine performance to be awarded the super-heavyweight bout unanimously.

Tomorrow, the last match in Group B will see the Morocco Atlas Lions host the British Lionhearts, who have already qualified for the next round.

Russian-based Patriot Boxing Team host the Uzbek Tigers in Perm in Group C tomorrow.

Action in Group A will also take place tomorrow with Argentina Condors facing Caciques Venezuela and Cuba Domadores facing Colombia Heroicos.