The world champions and their Italian rivals were level heading into the clash and they twice came from behind to get over the line.
They can now reflect on a job well done and a 100 per cent record in qualifying.
Of their 113 points today, 64 came from the hands of Ekaterina Gamova and Nataliya Goncharova, with the latter contributing five blocks.
In the end, Italy had no answer to their sheer size and, although Simona Gioli refused to give up the fight - she had five blocks herself - they ran out of steam.
Gioli's 21 points were the best for her side, with Lucia Bosetti contributing 19 for Massimo Barbolini's team.
They finish second in the group and are now set for a clash with China.
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