A couple of late strategic changes by coach Marco Mencarelli saw the Italians' fortunes turn as they eventually came through 20-25, 21-25, 25-22, 25-23, 15-13 to register a first Pool B win in Ismailia on the Suez Canal.

Ismailia and Cairo are the bases for five days of action in four sets of pool matches.

The winners from each pool of five teams will go through to the semi-finals, with the others entering classification matches in a Championship that runs until September 14.

Hosts Egypt, Romania and Japan all doubled their wins on day two.

Egypt missed three match points before securing a 25-14, 25-11, 28-30, 25-11 win over Cameroon that leaves them top of pool A, also being played in Ismailia, following their opening day win over Puerto Rico.

In the other Pool A match, three-time world champions Brazil began their campaign with a 25-12, 25-20, 25-13 win over Puerto Rico.

The second pool B match saw South Korea, beaten by Canada on the opening day, recover their fortunes with a four-set triumph over Mexico.

Japan’s second Pool D match in Cairo was dramatic as, like Italy, they came from two sets down to win.

Following their opening day win over Congo, they moved top of the pool with their 23-25, 17-25, 25-23, 25-19, 19-17 victory.

Two-time world champions Russia opened their account on day two with a 25-19, 25-17, 25-16 win over Argentina in Pool C, also being played in Cairo.

Romania, who had beaten Argentina on day one, earned another victory as they beat Belarus 23-25, 25-10, 25-21, 25-22 to top the pool.