Russia's Italian coach Caprara Giovanni has played down the view that his team could enter the final to win the 2006 Women's Volleyball Championships.

"Our players are all in good shape for the world championship," said Giovanni, who was appointed as Russia's new coach after the Athens Olympics. "But we know it is not easy to win in the world championship. We have seven players without experience in the championship. We just hope to go for the semifinal."

The Russia team is one of the favorites of the tournament as they were the runner-up of the 2004 Olympics. But Giovanni feels his team is in a tough first-round Pool B.

"We will face China in the first pool round. In the last two years, Russia always lost to China. So it is not easy against China," said Giovanni.

"China plays very quick and nice volleyball. If we want to win, we have to play perfect," added Giovanni.

Russia will face newcomer Mexico in the opener of the World Championship, while China will clash with Azerbaijan.