Speaking during the drawing of the lots ceremony in Parma, Graça addressed the audience in Italian and congratulated the organising committee on their preparations to date.

"It is really an honour and a pleasure to be here with you in this marvellous city and this marvellous country that is Italy," Graça added.

Carlo Salvatori, President of the Organising Committee, thanked the Italian authorities for their support in hosting the 2014 World Championship, due to take place from September 23 to October 12, and said his organisation will "make the best of our activities in order to record success".

Giovanni Malagò, President of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), also attended the ceremony and reflected on what he called "the beautiful moment" when Italy claimed the world title at the 2002 edition of the competition in Germany.

"I am sure that we are going to remember this edition and that it will be unparalleled," he added.

The FIVB unveiled a sleek new design for its Women’s World Championship trophy ©International Volleyball Federation

Meanwhile, the official trophy for the World Championship was unveiled.

The contemporary design features brass as a basic material, and the trophy changes colour gradually from its base to its crown, moving from nickel to rose gold to represent the winning team's growing confidence as the competition progresses.

The gold-plated crown at the top exemplifies the team's ultimate achievement of the world title.

The world's best 24 teams will travel to Italy to compete in the sport's flagship tournament.

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