Host nation Italy handed over China's first lost of the tournament to claim the top spot of Pool E at the FIVB Women's Volleyball World Championship in Italy on Sunday.

China was on track on their unblemished record at the tournament at the first set as they claimed a 25-22 victory but the home crowd gave the extra boost for the Italians as they went on to win the next three sets to raise the Italian flag on top of the pool 22-25, 25-18, 26-24, 25-17.

Like Us on Facebook

Valentina Diouf led the Italian nationals with 19 points followed by team captain Francesca Piccinini with 15 points while Ting Zhu top scored for the Chinese side with 16 points.

Team captain Ruoqi Hui did not play for China contributing to their possible loss.

China coach Jenny Lang Ping said that they had troubles with Italy's tough serves. "Our young players tried their best, but we struggled with our reception in some important moments," said Lang Ping.

The former tournament champions Italy topped the pool followed by China and the Dominican Republic who lost their last match in a heart-pounding five setter against Japan 21-25, 23-25, 25-19, 25-23, 12-15.

Even though Japan did not make the cut, they had a consolation win over the Dominican Republic with Saori Sakoda top scoring the Japanese squad with 21 points followed by Arisa Takada with 20 points while Bethania De La Cruz was flying high for the Dominican Republic with 25 points.

"We could have played better but there are matches in which you may lose focus," Japan coach Manabe Masayoshi said. "We will try to do better. Thinking about the future, we will try to analyze the matches and change the strategy."

All three teams are now heading for Milan along with Pool F's top three finishers Brazil, the United States and defending champion Russia for the final round of play.

TagsJenny Lang Ping, Valentina Diouf, Ting Zhu, Bethania De La Cruz