Lausanne, Switzerland, August 5, 2017 - Italy and Brazil clash Sunday in Nanjing for the 2017 FIVB World Grand Prix title. They come head-to-head for the 27th time in the history of the competition, with the South Americans leading the series 22-4. This is a rematch of the 2004 World Grand Prix final which Brazil won in four sets in Reggio Calabria. Brazil and Italy also finished 1-2 in 2005 in Sendai, although that year there was no final - just a final round-robin pool. Brazil are after a record 12th title in 25 World Grand Prix editions. Italy seek their first gold after picking up two silver and four bronze medals.
Head-to-Head• Brazil and Italy will meet at the World Grand Prix for the 27th time with Brazil winning 22 and Italy winning four.
• Brazil have won the last 11 matches between these sides at the World Grand Prix since losing 3-1 in the preliminary round in 2010.
• In 2004 these teams met at the World Grand Prix final with Brazil winning 3-1.
• At the 2014 World Championship, these teams played the bronze medal match with Brazil prevailing after five sets.
Italy• Italy are running for their first World Grand Prix title ever.
• Italy claimed two silvers and four bronze medals before at the World Grand Prix. No other country have claimed more medals without winning the tournament.
• Italy can become the third CEV country to win the World Grand Prix after Russia (1997, 1999, 2002) and Netherlands (2007).
• Italy will finish in the top 2 for the first time since 2005.
• In the last 13 editions (since 2003), 12 times either Brazil (8) or United States (4) won the title with Netherlands in 2007 as the only exception.
• Paola Egonu scored 26 of the 95 points for Italy in the semifinal.
Brazil• Brazil won the semifinal against Serbia (3-1) and will try to defend their title successfully.
• Brazil have won the World Grand Prix a record 11 times. With their 12th title they will have won this tournament twice the amount as the second most successful country United States (6 wins).
• They will claim their 19th medal, which is also a competition record. Their currently have 18: G11-S5-B2.
• Brazil have won three of the last four World Grand Prix tournaments, only failing to win in 2015 (USA).
• Last year, Brazil won the final against United States in five sets.
• Brazil's first World Grand Prix title came in 1994, when China also hosted the final round (Shanghai).