Australia broke open a tight game with four unanswered goals in the third quarter then held on to edge Italy 10-8 in their women's water polo opener at the London Olympics.
Captain Kate Gynther scored three goals and Nicola Zagame chipped in with two for Australia, which is one of the gold medal favorites in the event along with the United States.
Tania di Mario and Federica Radicchi scored twice for the 2012 European champion Italians.
Both countries have won Olympic gold in women's water polo - Australia in 2000 when the women's game made its Olympic debut, and Italy four years later.
With the win, Australia sits atop Group B, which also includes Britain and Russia.
AP