Both countries won their semi-final clashes today at the Palasport Primo Carnera in the Italian city.

If the US win, it will be their seventh consecutive title and the defending champions were given a stiff test by Japan before winning 73-66.

Entering into the final quarter, the US had a 65-43 lead, but the Asian gave everything they could to make their opponents worried.

However, enough damage had already been done and the Americans managed to keep ahead.

Top scoring for US was Ruthy Hebard, who ended the match with a tally of 24 while also collecting 14 rebounds.

Earlier in the day, Russia saw off the challenge of Canada with a comfortable 65-41 victory.

The European side had built a hefty lead of 32 by the end of the third quarter, with their defence dominating the Canadians, who had just 24 points to their name.

Canada outscored the Russian’s in the fourth period, although they did not look at any point like they could pull off a remarkable comeback.

Russia’s captain Raisa Musina was their star performer with 22 points and 16 rebounds.