Co-hosts Italy progressed despite suffering their first defeat after six consecutive wins in this event – which is also being held in Bulgaria - as they lost a gripping match against Russia in Milan’s Forum di Assago.

After winning the first set 25-19, they fell behind after losing the next two 18-25, 21-25, only to draw level by winning the fourth set 25-19.

To the dismay of their supporters the Rio 2016 silver medallists then lost the fifth and final set 15-11.

With one round of matches remaining in round two, Russia trail Italy by four points.

The Netherlands are only a point behind Russia following a 25-19, 23-25, 25-16, 25-13 win over bottom team Finland.

The top team in each of the second round groupings of pools E, F, G and H goes through to the Top Six third round that starts in Turin’s Pala Alpitur on September 26 along with the two strongest runners-up.

Rio 2016 champions Brazil booked their passage as they consolidated their lead  in pool F with a 25-22, 25-21, 25-16 win over Slovenia in Bologna’s Paladozza.

Belgium stayed within four points of them with a 28-26, 28-26, 25-20 win over Australia.

The Rio 2016 bronze medallists United States also went through as  the only unbeaten side in the competition following their seventh consecutive win -  a 25-20, 25-20, 25-18 win over other co-hosts Bulgaria – in the Armeec Arena in Sofia.

But the home hopes remain alive as they are level on points but narrowly in second place ahead of Iran, who were beaten 20-25, 25-20, 15-25, 25-23, 12-15 by Canada.

Pool H is the tightest of the four, with Serbia earning advancement on 17 points following their 25-18, 25-22, 25-22 win over Argentina.

However France regained some momentum by beating second-placed Poland 25-15, 25-18, 23-25, 25-18.

Poland, the world champions, now have 16 points, one more than the French, but they are due to play Serbia in tomorrow’s final round two matches.