China beat the United States to progress into the final six of the Women's World Volleyball Championships in Japan ©FIVB

Italy and China joined Serbia in the final six of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) Women's World Volleyball Championships in Japan.

The Italians beat Russia 22-25, 25-20, 25-18, 25-22 at the Osaka Municipal Central Gymnasium to progress through Pool F into the next round.

China, also in Pool F, overcame the United States 25-17, 26-24, 25-18 to secure their place in the final six. 

There is one qualifying place left in Pool F, with the US and Russia competing for that spot. 

Serbia had already booked their place in the final six yesterday, but today lost to hosts Japan 25-15, 23-25, 23-25, 23-25 at the Nippon Gaishi Hall in Nagoya.

This Pool E match saw them drop their first sets of the competition. 

The Netherlands also suffered their first defeat of the Championships at the hands of Brazil, losing 21-25, 25-18, 25-19, 25-21.

Two qualifying places remain in Pool E, with Japan and The Netherlands needing to win at least one set in their next match to secure them.

Brazil will play Japan in their next fixture, and have a chance of progressing if they beat the hosts and The Netherlands struggle against Serbia.

The deciding matches will be played tomorrow, with the final six action beginning on Sunday (October 14).