LONDON — Italy has a chance at a third fencing gold at the Olympics after beating the United States in the semifinals of the men's team foil.
Japan sneaked past third-seeded Germany 41-40 in the other semi through a sudden-death bout in a phenomenal tussle on Sunday's final day of fencing at ExCel Centre. Yuki Ota scored the decisive touch in a rousing finish.
The top-seeded Italians won 45-24 over the U.S. and favorites Andrea Cassara, Andrea Baldini and Giorgio Avola will try for the country's third Olympic title against seventh-seeded Japan.
Italy is guaranteed silver, taking its fencing medal tally in London to seven. It already tops the table over South Korea, having won gold in the women's individual and team foil.
The U.S. can claim a second bronze.