Italy's men's volleyball team is peaking at the right time. After surprising the Americans, defending Olympic gold medalist, they'll take on Brazil, the 2004 Olympic champions, in semifinal play on Friday.
Italian coach Mauro Berruto has to ensure his young team stays on course as they ready themselves to face another medal favorite.
"I still see something that we want to show in the next matches," Berruto said. Our goal was to stay here to the last day and we will, we will play for the medals, but I still think we can show something more."
Italy's spikers have finally found their rhythm, but the Brazilians will be ready for the hard-hitting Italian pair of Ivan Zaytsev and Cristian Savani.
"We are very focused. Our system, attacking from our serve, our blocks, we are doing everything very well," setter Bruno Rezende said. "We have to keep going. Our first objective was to get to the semifinals, now we want more."
To watch Italy vs. Brazil in the semifinal match of men's indoor volleyball click here.
The winner of the match will go on to face Russia in the Olympic gold medal final.
Russia defeated Bulgaria 3-1 on Friday.
Russia is vying for its fourth gold medal in the sport, which joined the Olympics in 1964. The Russians have won all 10 of their Olympic matches against Bulgaria.
