The Spaniards never trailed in the Group A contest, building on an early 11-3 advantage as they increased their margin right to the finish, punishing the Italians for shooting just 29 per cent.

An 8-0 run put Spain up 23-12 early in the second period and, after briefly halting the charge of their European rivals, Italy could not produce a decisive reply.

Pazo, who had 14 in the first half, hit two free throws which put Spain 39-26 clear at half-time.

And with Ismael Garcia Moreno providing an additional impetus, their side held the Italians scoreless for the last 5:34 of the third period as they delivered eight unanswered points to surge 53-34 in front.

The Spanish continued to pull away as their defence held firm, eventually building a lead of 27 points when Daniel Rodriguez Martin scored in the paint with 34 seconds left in the game.

Also in Group A, Cem Gezinci scored 15 points to help Turkey secure their first-ever victory against the USA - a 59-50 success.

Joseph Chambers top-scored for the USA with 17 points.

The USA face Italy in their next group match, while Turkey take on defending champions Australia.

Later, Mariska Beijer delivered an impressive performance as Netherlands beat Great Britain 62-35 in the opening preliminary round game of the women's competition.

The centre scored 16 of her game-high 26 points in the second half and added 19 rebounds as her side asserted themselves, using a 10-2 run in the third quarter to pull away before steadily increasing their lead right to the finish.