SOPRON (Hungary) - The Semi-Finals of the FIBA U20 Women's European Championship will see Italy, France, Czech Republic and Spain do battle as the race for the podium intensifies.

All four nations emerged victorious in Wednesday's Quarter-Finals, with the last winners of the competition in 2019 making a strong case for landing a follow-up title, as Italy waltzed past Serbia 72-46.

It was thanks mainly to another lockdown team display and more brilliance from Ilaria Panzera, who finished with an all-action 15 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals.

Italy will face Spain who inflicted disappointment on host nation Hungary as a 23-10 third quarter display paved the way for a 70-56 success. Three-point shooting for Spain was a difference-maker as they rained down eight triples, Claudia Contell top scoring with 13 points.

In the other side of the competition bracket, Czech Republic were able to suffocate Poland 64-43, with the Polish side a near stone cold 1-of-14 from downtown. Dominika Paurova paced another well-balanced team effort with 15 points.

They will now compete with France for a place in the Final after they moved past Portugal 77-35 . They hit top gear right from tip-off and never had cause to look back after a quick-fire opening. Aminata Gueye had her top game of the tournament so far with 18 points and 9 rebounds - also enjoying a perfect shooting night.

Meanwhile in the Classification Games, there was a thrilling last second bucket for Elizabete Bulane which handed Latvia a  68-66 against Belgium. There was also a nail-biter between Lithuania and Netherlands, with the former winning 59-56 as Audrone Zdaneviciute dropped 24 points.

Swedish star Emma Johansson carried her team to a 91-74 win with a blistering 10-of-11 shooting effort for 23 points, while Matilda Ekh added a team-high 23 points. Finally, Sweden's neighbors Finland were also victorious, beating Ireland 73-59 as Henna Sandvik added 15 points and 14 rebounds.

FIBA