Spain started their defence well by going 3-2 up after the first quarter, with Beatriz Ortiz scoring a hat-trick at the Spaladium Arena.

However, Italy took a two-goal lead into the half with five goals of their own.

The restart was important, as Chiara Tabani scored a hat-trick for Italy, who extended their lead by three, making it 11-6 into the last eight minutes.

Even with Spain outscoring them in the last quarter, the Italians managed to come away with the victory.

Israel also finished the day with two wins from two, this time in more convincing fashion with an 18-7 victory over Slovakia.

Noa Sasover and Shunit Strugo both scored four goals each to help their team to victory.

France were in another match separated by just a point, but this time were on the winning side.

Louise Guillet was in strong form, scoring four goals from four shots to help her team win 15-14.

In Pool A, The Netherlands and Greece kept their unbeaten record going after two matches, beating Hungary and Romania.

The Dutch team defeated Hungary 13-4, assisted by hat-tricks from Brigitte Sleeking, Simone van de Kraats and Kitty Lynn Joustra.

Greece were dominant against Romania, beating them 24-3, in which Maria Myriokefalitaki scored six goals.

Hosts Croatia got points on the board by beating Germany 15-8, a match that saw Emmi Miljkovic score six for the winners.

The Men's European Water Polo Championships are scheduled to start tomorrow.