Hosts Italy were beaten by Poland on the first day of men's matches at the Volleyball Nations League ©Volleyball World

Russia started their quest for a third straight men’s Volleyball Nations League title with a three sets to one victory over the Netherlands in Rimini, Italy.

Russia won 25-19, 25-22, 18-25, 25-20 against the Dutch and will next face Iran tomorrow.

Defending Olympic champions Brazil faced South American rivals Argentina in the final game of the day with Brazil triumphing 31-29, 26-24, 25-16.

Hosts Italy, runners-up at the previous Olympics, did not fare so well as they were beaten 25-19, 25-20, 25-18 by Poland.

The opening game of the day saw France beat Bulgaria 27-25, 25-21, 25-23 before Germany also won in straight sets, overcoming Australia 25-19, 25-18, 25-16.

Serbia beat Slovenia in four sets coming from a set down to win 22-25, 25-18, 36-34, 25-18 while the day’s other match saw the United States defeat North American neighbours Canada 25-17, 26-24, 25-20.

The 16-team tournament begins with a round-robin phase where each side will play 15 games, and action is taking place in bubble conditions.