Rio 2016: Brazil to meet Italy in volleyball final

Brazil are into the men's volleyball final at Rio 2016 after dispatching Russia 3-0 and will meet Italy in the gold medal match after they upset the United States in a five-set thriller.

The hosts made easy work of Russia in a rematch of the London 2012 final, securing the straight-sets victory at the Maracanazinho in one hour, 23 minutes.

Brazil's 25-21 25-20 25-17 win ensured Brazil booked a spot in a fourth straight men's volleyball final at the Olympics.

However, they have not won gold since Athens in 2004, having lost both the Beijing 2008 and 2012 finals.

Italy, meanwhile, booked their spot in the final for the first time since Atlanta 1996 following their thrilling win over USA.

USA - gold medal winners in Beijing - were 2-1 up after the third set but Italy took control from that point on, winning the next two to secure the dramatic victory.

The final will be Italy's third in the men's Olympic volleyball, but they lost each of the previous two in 1996 against Netherlands and in 2004 against Brazil.

Brazil and Italy have met nine times at the Olympics, with the latter's one and only win coming in the group stages in Rio.