The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Tokyo

Three-time former world champions Italy moved another step closer to the Beijing Olympics when they breezed past Iran in the men's volleyball final qualifying round on Friday.

The Italians chalked up a 25-16, 25-20, 25-18 victory for their fifth straight win to remain unbeaten in the eight-team round robin competition.

Italian coach Andrea Anastasi said the team has been on a roll since almost losing to Japan, a match in which they had to save 11 match points before finally winning.

"We've kept good concentration, but we had the wrong attitude for the match against Japan. We adjusted after that. That's why we've kept winning," Anastasi said.

"We are moving closer and closer towards our goal. We still have a match against Argentina on the final day. But my players know very well what they have to do."

Setter Valerio Vermiglio also said the team had learned from the first match. "We learned that it's important to take the lead before giving the lead to the opponents," Vermiglio said.

Iran's win-loss record went down to 1-4.