Italy join Japan in claiming ticket to Beijing on Tokyo World Men's Olympic qualifier final day
Tokyo, Japan, June 8, 2008 - Athens 2004 Olympic silver medalists Italy triumphed over Argentina 3-2 on Sunday to earn their ninth straight Olympic berth at the FIVB Men’s World Olympic Qualification Tournament in Tokyo. The Italians battled hard to overcome the brave South Americans in a marathon five-setter and ended the tournament as unbeaten leaders after seven tough matches. The “Azzurri†will head to Beijing along with Japan, who return to the Olympic Games after a 16-year absence after claiming the ticket as the best Asian team. The Japanese team closed the event with a victory over Algeria in straight sets at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium.