Pool G: Italy – Russia
Head-to-head
• Italy are winless in their world championship matches against Russia. Russia beat Italy three times in straight sets (1986, 1994 and 2006) and once in five sets (2002).
• Russia also beat Italy in their most recent meeting at a major tournament – 3-1 at the 2014 World Grand Prix.
• Italy's last victory over Russia at a major tournament came at the 2008 Olympic Games. Italy beat Russia 3-1 in their group stage match.
• Italy are unbeaten in their last seven world championship matches against fellow European sides.
• Russia have lost only three of their 39 matches against teams from Europe at the World Championship.
Italy
• The hosts beat United States 3-0 in their third round opening match and are now 9-1 overall in this World Championship
• Italy outspiked (52-42) and outblocked (9-2) team USA in that match. Four players of Italy reached double figures: Valentina Arrighetti (10), Carolina Del Pilar Costagrande (13), Nadia Centoni (14) and Antonella Del Core (15).
• It was their ninth win at the 2014 World Championship, only falling to Dominican Republic. The only time Italy won nine matches in a single edition was in 2002 when they won the title.
• Italy have taken at least one set in their last 16 world championship matches. The only longer streak was between 1998 and 2006 when they won at least one set in 24 consecutive matches.
Russia
• Russia, now 6-4 overall in this World championship, have lost four world championship matches in a span of six for the first time since 1982 and can lose five in seven for the first time ever.
• Russia have taken at least one set in their last 44 world championship matches. As Soviet Union, one longer streak occurred – 52 matches in 1952-1974.
• The last team to keep them from scoring a set was China in the 1998 semifinal.