The Italians, world champions in 2002, had raced into a two-set lead as they proved too strong for the Poles in the early stages.

But Poland launched a spirited fightback, taking the third before building on their momentum to level the match by winning the fourth set.

Italy, however, shrugged off the disappointment of being taken to a decider as they sealed a 25-18, 25-22, 22-25, 19-25, 15-13 success to set up a meeting with The Netherlands in the last four.

The Dutch had earlier ensured they would finish at the summit of Group A as they cruised to a comprehensive 25-19, 25-17, 25-23 win over Croatia.

Following an even opening, which saw the two sides locked at 11-11, The Netherlands began to stamp their authority on proceedings, eventually moving into the lead by clinching the first set.

Croatia showed some spirit at the beginning of the second, establishing a 7-3 lead, but the Dutch kept calm and levelled before the teams traded points until the favourites closed out the set, thanks largely to the efforts of Anne Buijs.

With the wind in their sails, Buijs' side went on to secure a comfortable victory and with it top spot in the group.

In the other women’s match to take place today, reigning European champions Russia maintained their 100 per cent Group B record by sweeping aside Belgium 25-19, 25-22, 25-17.

Russia will go on to face Group A runners-up Turkey in the last four.

The men are also bidding to earn a place at Rio 2016 and Poland were able to succeed where their women had failed as they booked a semi-final berth by beating Belgium 25-20, 30-28, 25-19 in Berlin.

Despite the defeat, the Belgian team put up a strong fight throughout the contest, most notably in a marathon second set, but they ultimately fell short as the Poles, world champions in 2014, surged to the top of Group A.

“We are happy with being in the semis because we took our opening match with Serbia very seriously and also today’s clash with Belgium,” Poland middle blocker Marcin Mozdzonek said.

“It is always difficult against these outsiders who can play without pressure.”

In Group B, Olympic gold medallists Russia recovered from their loss to France by crushing Bulgaria 25-20, 25-22, 25-17 to move to the brink of the semi-finals.

The French, meanwhile, dispatched Finland 25-21, 25-20, 25-16 to record their second triumph.

The men’s African Olympic Qualification Tournament got underway in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo today as eight-time continental champions Tunisia ousted the host nation with a 25-22, 25-17, 25-17 triumph in Group A.

Cameroon, gold medallists at the 2011 All-Africa Games in Mozambique, also began with a win as they beat the Democratic Republic of Congo in straight sets, 25-21, 25-18, 25-22 in Group B, while Algeria made light work of Nigeria by claiming a 25-14, 25-21, 25-16 victory.