CAIRO (FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2017) - Italy's dream of their first-ever FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup title remains alive as they reached the Semi-Finals in Cairo - securing the country's first top-four finish since 1991.

Italy pulled off probably the first upset of the tournament thus far by raining on Lithuania's offensive fireworks with some hard-nosed defense which led to a 78-63 victory.

"We played a tough game but an incredible game for the full 40 minutes," Italy's Davide Denegri said.

Italy reached the final in 1991 - losing to the United States in their last appearance in the top four. Italy had grabbed third place the previous tournament in 1987.

"We made history and we are very happy to play the Semi-Finals. This is a dream and we want to keep dreaming."

Italy will next take on Spain in the Semi-Finals.

FIBA