Italy will be going for an unprecedented third consecutive title in Ismailia, on the banks of the Suez Canal, having completed an extraordinary recovery in their semi-final against China.

They lost the first two sets 25-22, 25-19, but came back to win the next three 25-19, 25-19, 15-10.

China have won this title four times, and Brazil three times, but after their wins in 2015 and 2017, Italy are on the brink of a unique achievement.

Standing in their way will be a United States team seeking a first gold medal in what will be their third final, following silver medals in 2013 and 2015.

The passage for the United States was far easier, as they defeated Brazil 25-18, 25-18, 25-14.

In other matches at Ismailia, Japan and Romania qualified for tomorrow's fifth-place playoff with respective wins over Russia and Peru.

At the other Championship hub of Cairo, Turkey and the hosts earned a place in tomorrow's ninth-place playoff with respective 3-2 and 3-1 wins over Argentina and Bulgaria.

The playoff for 13th place is between Canada, who beat Thailand 3-2, and South Korea, 3-1 winners over Puerto Rico.