The 2016 bronze medallists were far too strong for their opponents as they eased to victory at the Vidzemes Olimpiskais Centrs.

Jan Zaugg and Remo Buchli top scored with three goals each, while Matthias Hofbauer, Tobias Heller, Roman Mittelholzer and Patrick Mendelin all managed braces.

Kevin Berry, Paolo Riedi, Tim Braillard and Joel Ruegger were also on target.

Vincenzo Del Monte had put Italy into an early advantage, but the team's second goal, from Dominik Hardegger, did not come until the 53rd minute to make the score 17-2.

There was also a win today for Russia, who beat Iceland 7-5.

Goals from Nikita Bocharov, Vladimir Gorshenenko, Aleksandr Sharapov and Alexander Avtushenko had given the Russians a 4-1 lead before a brace from Alexander Ronnlund and Andreas Stefansson's strike brought Iceland back on level terms.

Russia came again though with Ilya Nikolaev making it 5-4 prior to Gorshenenko and Avtushenko adding their nation's sixth and seventh goals respectively.

The first of Ronnlund’s three goals had opened Iceland’s tally, while Jens Alengard completed the scoring with a consolation.

The last match of the day saw hosts Latvia thrash Hungary 12-1.

Janis Rajeckis, Arturs Jursevskis, Mihails Kostusevs and Ingars Matisons each bagged a brace for Latvia.

Chipping in with one goal apiece were Janis Ragovskis, Gvido Lauga, Artis Raitums and Toms Akmenlauks.

Domokos Racz registered for Hungary.

The World Championships are due to take place in the Czech capital Prague from December 1 to 9.

Three other European qualifiers are scheduled to begin tomorrow.

Nitra in Slovakia will host two of them, while the other will be staged in Estonia's capital Tallinn.

An Americas event featuring just Canada and the United States is set to take place in Toronto on February 10 and 11.

Finland are the defending champions.