The Japanese prevailed against three-time champions Russia in Aguascalientes in Mexico, winning 18-25, 26-24, 25-13, 18-25, 15-12.

Their success keeps alive their 100 per cent record at the tournament after the Asian under-20 champions won all six of their matches across the two group phases.

Soga Haruna led their attack with a match-high of 20 points, consisting of 15 kills and five blocks.

Victory for Japan at the age-group event would mean a first title at the competition after previously winning eight minor medals.

They will face an Italy side who battled back from two sets down to defeat Turkey at the Hermanos Carreon Stadium.

The Italians, who suffered their first loss of the tournament in their final match of the second group stage when they went down 3-2 to Russia, will now have the chance to add to the title they won in 2011.

They prevailed 19-25, 24-26, 25-21, 25-16, 18-16 to seal a memorable triumph as Turkey wasted two match points in the last.

Yassimina Kone led Italy's attack with 18 points, including five blocks and three aces.

The final will be held tomorrow with Russia meeting Turkey for bronze.