The Swedes, who have a 100 per cent record in the tournament so far, were the more comfortable of the two, sweeping aside Italy 6-2 in eight ends to move directly to the gold medal game.

They are now one match away from a repeat of their 2012 triumph, and an eighth European title in total, which would fully make amends for their disappointing fifth place finish last year.

"That win was really important," said skip Niklas Edin afterwards.

"We have a new team and we need to prove ourselves for everyone that cheer for us and all the people we work with.

"It's important to show that we can pick up a medal right away.

"Being in the final takes away all the pressure on us and now we can just go for the gold."

Italy still have a chance to gain revenge for their defeat, and will face Norway in a final playoff after the Scandinavian world champions beat defending continental winners, Switzerland, 5-2.

The host nation were far more successful in the women's competition however, with a superb and bitterly contested 6-5 victory over previously unbeaten Russia.