Italy overcame a slow start to pull off a 23-25, 25-20, 25-15, 25-21 win over Brazil in the opener of Week 3 of the Volleyball Nations League at the Mall of Asia Arena yesterday.

Yuri Romanò fired 20 points, including 16 spikes and four aces, as the Italians snapped a two-game losing skid and are now at fifth place with a 6-3 win-loss record.

Italy displayed its mastery at the service box when it dropped 13 aces despite committing 28 errors.

Team captain Simone Giannelli said they played with a sense of urgency as they seek to solidify their place in the top eight.

The top eight teams after six pools advance to the final round in Poland starting on 19 July.

"Brazil is a strong team, one of the best in the world, so we fought because we need points to advance to the Final Phase in Poland. We were down 1-0, but we came back and played better," Giannelli said, highlighting the significance of their win over the powerful Brazilians.

Honorato registered 14 attacks and an ace for the Brazilians, who will be pressured to win when they face the Netherlands on Thursday.