The Dutch team thrashed Italy 25-17, 25-20, 25-13 in the first quarter-final of the day at the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku.

It means they have qualified for their second consecutive semi-final at the continental competition.

“I think we did a very good job," said Dutch player Lonneke Slöetjes.

"We played really clean volleyball and didn’t make a lot of mistakes, we served well, felt good on the court and celebrated every point.

"It was an easy win."

They will now player the winners of tomorrow's match between hosts Azerbaijan and Germany for a place in the final.

Rio 2016 Olympic silver medallists Serbia also booked their place in the last four without dropping a set.

The Serbians thrashed Belarus 25-19, 25-12, 25-14 as they aim to improve on the bronze medal they won two years ago in Rotterdam. 

“At this moment Serbia is of course a better team than Belarus and we expected to win today," said Serbian head coach Zoran Terzic.

"We knew it could become dangerous if we did not play with full power.

"However, today we played good enough to win 3-0.” 

Serbia will be playing the winners of tomorrow's highly anticipated match between Russia and Turkey. 

The second batch of quarter-final matches are due to be staged tomorrow.