Italy, Cuba Reach Volleyball Finals

RIO DE JANEIRO — Heavy favorite Italy edged Brazil in a five-set thriller and Cuba routed the Soviet Union Saturday to advance to the finals of the volleyball world championship.

In one of the most dramatic matches of the two-week tournament, Italy outlasted Brazil, 6-15, 15-9, 15-8, 8-15, 15-13, at Maracanazinho gymnasium. Then Cuba came back to defeat the Soviet Union, 7-15, 15-12, 15-9, 15-11.

Cuba faces Italy today in the final of the 16-nation tournament. Brazil plays the six-time world champion Soviets in a consolation match for third place and the bronze medal.

At stake in the final is a berth in the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. The only teams already qualified are Cuba, host country Spain and the United States, the defending Olympic champion.