The 28-year-old notched 30 points to make a key difference as Brazil battled from a 2-1 deficit at the Ahoy Arena in Rotterdam.

Brazil initially won the first set 25-20 but the Italians flipped the match by taking the next two 25-22, 25-22.

The South Americans responded under pressure to win 25-21 and then 17-15 in the tiebreak.

It is Italy's first defeat in five matches, despite Ogechi Paolo accumulating 37 points.

Other action in Pool E saw Japan fending off Belgium 3-1.

The Europeans won 25-21 but then fell to three successive set losses - 25-20, 25-16, 25-22 – to miss out on crucial points.

The Netherlands, playing on home territory, beat Argentina 22-25, 25-18, 25-12, 25-13 in a clash towards the bottom of the pool.

Meanwhile, the Pool F leaders Serbia, United States and Turkey kept pace to winning form.

Serbia - the defending champions - eased past co-hosts Poland, winning 26-24, 25-22, 25-18, in Łódź.

The Americans outmatched Dominican Republic 21-25, 25-19, 25-20, 25-14 while Turkey swept Germany 25-21, 25-18, 25-21.

Canada also secured a victory, beating Thailand 25-19, 25-21, 23-25, 25-22 to ensure they did not fall significantly behind the top three.

The competition is scheduled to continue tomorrow.