Milan, Oct 11 (IANS): Hosts Italy beat defending champions Russia 25-12, 25-17, 12-25, 25-23 to do the US a big favour by sending them to the semifinals of the FIVB Women's World Volleyball Championship.

Italy, who had already qualified for the semifinals, secured the pole position in Pool G after winning the first set and knocked out the defending champions after winning the second Friday, reports Xinhua.

With Saturday's semifinal against China in less than 24 hours, Italy coach Marco Bonitta then rested his starting players, giving court time to the substitutes and allowing Russia to stay in the game for one more set.

Thanks to Italy's performance, the US, who beat Russia Thursday, finished second in Pool G to earn the final-four spot.

Like the US, China advanced to the semifinals thanks to world No.1 Brazil's 25-19, 25-21, 25-17 win over the Dominican Republic.

Brazil and host Italy top their third round pools to avoid a direct duel in Saturday's semifinals.

The semifinals will pit Brazil against the US and Italy against China.