The month-long event is being played in a bubble in Italy, and the US began their quest for a third successive title with a straight-sets victory against the Dominican Republic.

The final score was 25-10, 25-21, 25-12.

American Jordan Larson admitted afterwards that "there were times when we were a bit slow", but said the team improved as the match went on.

Canada, who the US face tomorrow, suffered a 23-25, 25-11, 25-9, 25-14 defeat at the hands of Brazil.

Olympic champions China came from behind to defeat South Korea 23-15, 25-19, 25-19, 25-18.

World champions Serbia and Turkey were involved in a five-set thriller, which Turkey won despite scoring fewer points.

Twice pegged back, Turkey ultimately won 25-12, 18-21, 25-23, 22-25, 16-14.

The Netherlands, Russia and Japan all made winning starts, respectively beating Belgium, Germany and Thailand in three sets.

Hosts Italy could not make a winning start, however, and succumbed against Poland.

Led by 20-year-old Magdalena Stysiak scoring 25 points, Poland triumphed 25-22, 22-25, 25-20, 22-25, 17-15 in another five-setter.

Round-robin action continues tomorrow, with all 16 teams in action and Turkey facing Italy in one of the standout fixtures.

The top four teams at the end of the round-robin stage will advance to the VNL semi-finals.

Last year's VNL was cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.