Italy finished third overall and will be looking to improve as they take on Brazil, Netherlands, Kenya, Puerto Rico and the Czech Republic in Japan

Rome, Italy, October 20, 2010 – Russia underlined that they will be one of the teams to beat at the 2010 FIVB Women's World Championship after they sealed victory in the 2010 Edison Challenge Cup, beating hosts Italy as well as Serbia and Croatia.

Russia will travel to Japan on Saturday for the World Championship, which starts on October 29, and Vladimir Kuzyutkin's side look in good shape to defend the crown they won in 2006 following their success in the four-team event in Italy between October 15 and 17.

The Russians secured their victory in the event with a 3-1 (24-26, 25-21, 25-22, 25-14) win over Croatia on the final day. Croatia duly finished the tournament in last place after failing to pick up a win.

Serbia overcame Italy in five sets, dealing the hosts their second loss of the tournament after they had succumbed to Russia the day before. "The World Championship will be difficult from the beginning and we need to start at the maximum," warned Italy coach Massimo Barbolini, whose squad will fly east on Thursday and face Puerto Rico in their opening Pool B fixture.