The Italian team found themselves trailing 2-1 at half-time in the Group A contest but forced their way back into the contest to earn a dramatic 4-3 victory against the Czechs, who are seeking a fifth men’s crown.

With a win and draw in their opening matches, Italy top the group standings with Latvia, who recorded a 5-1 victory over Mexico.

France secured their second win in Group B as last year’s runners-up overcame Spain 3-1 to remain first in the standings, with the United States occupying second after their 4-2 win over Argentina.

Having cruised to a win over China yesterday, Chinese Taipei were hoping to take a major step towards the quarter-finals when they met Switzerland in Group C.

The Swiss team were beginning their campaign, with only three teams appearing in their group, and they proved able to brush aside the Chinese Taipei challenge by winning 10-2.

Britain maintained their confident start in Asiago by recording a 1-0 win over Venezuela, while elsewhere in Group E, Poland defeated Australia 9-0.

The meeting between the top two in Group D saw Canada emerge as 5-2 winners against Sweden to close on a quarter-final spot.

Colombia recorded their first win by defeating Germany 5-4 in the second match in the group.

After defeating Macau 8-0, Iran will face a crucial clash with the Netherlands tomorrow, with the Dutch squad having also achieved their second win of the tournament by beating India 10-1.