The Netherlands are through to the final of the Women's Softball European Championship ©Softball Europe

The Netherlands have become the first team to make it through to the final of the 2017 Women's Softball European Championship in Bollate.

The Dutch team overcame hosts Italy in the first semi-final of the competition this evening.

The Italians finished top of the Group X standings after recording a 3-0 win over Russia in their final pool match earlier today.

After The Netherlands claimed second place, the two nations went on to play for a direct place in the final.

It was the Dutch team who went on to record a 1-0 win in a close affair, despite play being delayed after a power cut midway through the contest.

Despite losing this evening Italy, the reigning champions, will have one more opportunity to qualify for tomorrow's final, however.

Italy will meet Great Britain in a play-off to decide the other finalist ©Dirk Steffen/Softball Europe
Italy will meet Great Britain in a play-off to decide the other finalist ©Dirk Steffen/Softball Europe

They take on Great Britain in a play-off tomorrow.

Britain finished fourth in the Group X standings, which saw them take on the Czech Republic, who occupied third, this evening.

The British team advanced though after they defeated the Czechs 4-1 to move one step closer to the final.

The competition will conclude tomorrow with the medal matches.