Defending champions France defeated Canada 4-1 to reach tomorrow's final of the Inliine Hockey World Championships in Italy ©World Skate

France are one step away from retaining their title at the men’s Inline Hockey World Championships in Italy.

The French team secured a place in the final with a 4-1 victory over Canada at the Hodegart Arena in Asiago.

Horrut Romain gave the holders a first period lead, and added a second goal in a second period in which two additional goals from Gabillet Karl saw the French through, with David Hammond scoring the sole goal for Canada.

Switzerland had no answer to the Czech Republic in their semi-final at the Inline Hockey World Championshiips, losing 10-1 ©World Skate
Switzerland had no answer to the Czech Republic in their semi-final at the Inline Hockey World Championshiips, losing 10-1 ©World Skate

France’s opponents in tomorrow’s final of this World Skate tournament will be the Czech Republic.

The Czech side, which had won its quarter-final against the United States 4-3, swept aside the opposition of Switzerland, upon whom they inflicted a 10-1 defeat.