By Nick Butler in Milan

Italy celebrate a victory that knocked Russia out of the World Championships ©Getty Images for FIVBChina and United States qualified for the semi-finals of the International Volleyball Federation Women's World Championship after the two teams that will join them in the last four, Brazil and Italy, each won in the Mediolanum Forum here this evening. 


With neither China nor the US playing, their fate lay out of their own hands and depended on whether the Dominican Republic and Russia could secure victories over their already qualified opponents on the final day of pool action ahead of tomorrow's semi-finals. 

First up was the Latin American team, facing the formidable task of taking on the unbeaten gold medal favourites, Brazil, who had won 31 of their last 33 World Championship matches.

Although Dominican Republic fought hard, they were ultimately outclassed as they slipped to a 25-19, 25-21, 25-17 defeat, with Sheila and captain Fabiana leading the way for Brazil with 13 and 12 points each respectively.

"I think we were really good in the first and second sets and controlled the game," Brazil coach Ze Roberto said.

"In the third set we lost our concentration at the end of the game.

"I think we played well, but not fantastic, I am happy about my team."

An electric atmosphere in Milan should only get louder and more vocal over the weekend as Italy target winning the gold medal ©Getty Images for FIVBAn electric atmosphere in Milan should only get louder and more vocal over the weekend as Italy target winning the gold medal ©Getty Images for FIVB



While the atmosphere had been loud in the first match, it reached a late evening crescendo as the host nation stepped on court, looking to seal the top spot in their pool and end the chances of Russia winning a third consecutive title.

Despite a third set fightback, Italy did exactly that, winning 25-12, 25-17, 12-25, 25-23 in front of a sold-out crowd, to beat Russia for the first ever time at World Championship level.

Valentina Diouf picked up a team-high 13 points coming off the bench, while Cristina Chirichella managed 11 points as the only non-libero to start all four sets.

"I am very happy for the win," Italy captain Francesca Piccinini said.

"We knew before the match we were qualified but it was not enough for us, even though Russia did some great serves we reacted well so we are proud."

The result means that Russia will miss out on a World Championship medal for the first time since the country made its debut in the quadrennial event in 1994, with three successive bronze medals followed by their victories in 2006 and 2010.

Italy, the world champions in 2002, will face 1982 and 1986 winners China in the second semi-final, which will follow a pulsating duel between the world's top two ranked teams, Brazil and the United States.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
October 2014: First semi-finalists confirmed for Volleyball Women's World Championship
October 2014: Italy and Brazil open third round of Volleyball Women's World Championship with straight sets wins
October 2014: Russia prevail against Serbia to complete third round line-up at Volleyball Women's World Championship
October 2014: Russia and Serbia vying to complete third round line-up at Volleyball Women's World Championships
October 2014: Holders Russia suffer shock defeat to Turkey at Volleyball Women's World Championships