Portugal are in the finals for a fifth time, after 1948, 1961, 2005 and 2011.

On Thursday they lost to Italy, six-time European champions (in 1989, 1993, 1995, 1999, 2003 and 2005) in 80 minutes: 25-21, 25-10 and 25-22.

To secure a place in the next round, Portugal need to come at least fourth in their group, which also includes Bulgaria (whom Portugal are to play on Saturday), France (whom they face on Sunday), Greece (Tuesday) and Romania (Wednesday).