Despite being defeated by Team Italy under the lights in Castions di Strada by a score of 9-0, Russia shut out Bulgaria 10-0 in a Porpetto day game. In other contests in Porpetto, Germany lit up Lithuania 17-1 and Poland punished Hungary 11-1.
Meanwhile in Ronchi dei Legionari, Kingdom of the Netherlands royally routed Austria 16-0, France beat Ukraine 5-2, and Israel shut out Croatia 7-0. Earlier in the day on the Castions di Strada field, Czech Republic sank Denmark 7-0 and Spain slid by Slovakia 5-3.
With day one in the books, Team Italy (1-0) and Poland (1-0) lead Pool A with Russia (1-1) not far behind. Hungary (0-1) and Bulgaria (0-1) are seeking their first win.
Kingdom of the Netherlands (1-0) and Germany (1-0) are on top of Pool B, while Austria (0-1) and Lithuania (0-1) trail.
The Pool C leaders are Czech Republic (1-0) and Israel (1-0). Croatia (0-1) and Denmark (0-1) hope to get back on track.
Spain (1-0) and France (1-0) squeaked out victories in Pool D, while unlucky Ukraine (0-1), and Slovakia (0-1) came up short.
Round-robin play continues through Tuesday, June 29, 2021. Then the top two teams from Pools A, B, C, and D will advance to the playoff round, while the others will compete in the consolation round.
The Euro Championship final is scheduled on Saturday, July 3 at 8:30 pm. The battle for the bronze takes place immediately before the championship at 5:30 pm. Forza #Italia! #PerEnrico
by Roberto Angotti
