Russia have been European champions six times as an independent nation, while the Soviet Union clinched the title on 13 occasions.

The Russians' last success came in 2015 with a win against The Netherlands in the final, but they have been drawn in the same group as Pool A hosts Serbia, who have won the two editions of the competition held since then.

Sergio Buzato’s side got off to a strong start, beating the French 25-19, 14-25, 25-20, 25-18 at Belgrade’s Štark Arena.

In the day’s earlier match, Belgium overcame Azerbaijan in straight sets 25-13, 26-24, 25-13.

In Pool D at BTarena in Cluj-Napoca in Romania, two countries with plenty of volleyball pedigree picked up their second straight wins at the tournament.

The Netherlands, runners-up in two of the last three editions of this event, top the standings after another straight-sets win, this time 25-10, 25-10, 25-18 over Finland.

Olympic quarter-finalists and 2019 silver medallists Turkey meanwhile notched a 25-14, 25-19, 26-24 victory against Ukraine.

Finland and Ukraine are both still seeking their first win, although the Finns have a point to their name having lost over five sets to Sweden in their first match.

In pool C at the Krešimir Ćosić Hall in the Croatian city of Zadar, 2019 bronze medallists and Tokyo 2020 quarter-finalists Italy started their tournament with a straight-sets triumph over Belarus 25-20, 25-18, 25-16.

Hungary also got off to a winning start against Slovakia in the later game, which finished 25-20, 25-23, 20-25, 25-18.

At the Kolodruma Sport Hall in Plovdiv in Bulgaria in Pool B, Poland lead the way after racking up their second victory of the tournament against Greece, 25-16, 25-20, 25-19.

Germany had earlier bounced back from a defeat in their opener against Poland by beating the Czech Republic 25-23, 20-25, 25-23, 25-21.

All four hosts are back in action tomorrow, with Serbia facing France, Bulgaria up against Spain, Croatia playing Belarus, and Sweden the opposition for Romania.