Italy got their defence of the FIVB Boys Under-19 World Championship off to a winning start by beating Brazil ©Volleyball World

Holders Italy got the defence of their International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) Boys’ Under-19 World Championship off to a winning start by beating Brazil in Pool B at the Azadi Sports Complex in Tehran in Iran.

Italy won 27-25, 25-21, 25-21 as they got their pursuit of a third title off to the best possible start, although they had to save four set points in the first set.

The other winners in the pool were the Czech Republic, who came from behind to defeat Colombia 21-25, 25-18, 32-30, 25-17.

In Pool A, India battled to a four-game victory over Nigeria, triumphing 25-17, 23-25, 25-21, 26-24.

Russia, runners-up at the last two editions of the FIVB Boys Under-19 World Championship, beat Belgium in four sets to make a winning start in Tehran ©Volleyball World
Russia, runners-up at the last two editions of the FIVB Boys Under-19 World Championship, beat Belgium in four sets to make a winning start in Tehran ©Volleyball World

Elsewhere in the pool hosts Iran received an automatic victory over Guatemala, who along with the Dominican Republic are forfeiting all their matches at the tournament, after withdrawing from the field.

In Pool C, Russia, runners-up at the last two editions of the Under-19 World Championship, started with a 23-25, 25-23, 25-19, 34-32 win over Belgium, saving six set points in the fourth before sealing victory.

The other match in the pool saw Bulgaria run out straight games winners against Thailand 25-19, 25-21, 25-22.

The first two Pool D matches were both won in straight games - with Argentina overcoming Egypt 25-16, 25-10, 25-22, and Germany defeating Cuba 25-19, 25-19, 25-18.