The Italians, finalists in 1991, trailed 58-49 at one stage deep into the final quarter before fighting back to triumph 66-63.

It came in a topsy turvy counter in which 1999 winner Spain had taken a 22-9 lead after the first period.

Italy immediately hit back to trailing by just one point at half-time before each team accrued 16 points in the third.

The biggest drama was still to come, though, as captain Lorenzo Bucarelli gave his team the lead with just 11 seconds to go at the Cairo Stadium Indoor Halls Complex.

Canada later shocked defending champions United States 99-87 in the second semi-final.

They recovered from 17-23 down after the first quarter.

Lithuania will face Germany in the fifth place playoff after each enjoyed consolation victories today.

Lithuania defeated Argentina 85-77 before Germany enjoyed a straightforward 86-60 triumph over France.