Brazil top the standings with two days of matches remaining in the preliminary round phase of the men's Volleyball Nations League ©Volleyball World

Brazil lead the standings as all four semi-final places are still up for grabs with two days of the preliminary round phase of the men’s Volleyball Nations League remaining in Rimini.

Brazil today defeated hosts Italy 25-19, 32-30, 22-25, 25-20 to top the standings with 12 wins and 35 points.

Hot on their heels are Poland who overcame Argentina 25-21, 25-22, 25-18 to move second with 11 wins and 33 points.

In third place in the standings are Slovenia who defeated the United States in a five-setter 28-30, 25-19, 21-25, 28-26, 15-13 to move to 10 wins and 28 points.

The top four progress to the next phase and it is all to play for behind Slovenia with France, Russia and Serbia all sitting on nine wins.

France are currently fourth with 29 points after beating Iran 25-21, 25-21, 25-19, with Russia in fifth on identical points and wins with France after overcoming Germany 25-18, 25-18, 23-25, 25-15 in the final match of the day.

Serbia, who overcame Australia 25-16, 25-13, 19-25, 25-15 in the day’s opening match also have nine wins, but are four points behind their nearest rivals with 25 points on the board.

In the day’s other matches, Japan beat Bulgaria 25-23, 25-18, 25-14, while Canada overcame The Netherlands 25-16, 25-16, 25-19.

There are just two days left in the men’s preliminary round before the knockout stages are due to conclude the month-long Volleyball Nations League.