Australia's women water polo team completed a disappointing World Cup in Perth by losing 10-9 to world champions Italy.

The result is Australia's worst finish in a World Cup, and means they face a qualification play-off against New Zealand for the right to play in next year's World Championships in Barcelona.

But at least Australia coach Istvan Gorgenyi and his players will be able to take some positives from a performance that pushed one of the world's best all the way.

The Italians gave away a raft of early exclusions allowing Australia plenty of chances - and for once they took them.

Jo Fox opened the scoring with a shot too powerful for the keeper to stop, and then a steal and breakaway from Kate Gynther ended with a cool finish.

The dream start continued with Naomi Castle replying twice to Italian strikes to give Australia a 4-2 lead.

After Lauren Mandell cancelled out Daniela Lavorini's strike, an Italian burst just before half time turned the tide.

Martina Miceli fired in twice, her second 12 seconds before the break to give the European's the lead which they never relinquished.

The result was in the balance into late in the fourth quarter when Malato's fourth put the Italians 10-8 up.

But even then the Australian's would not lie down, and Gynther's second 19 seconds from time ended Australia's tournament on a high note.

The result means Italy, world champions and number one seeds coming into this competition, qualifies automatically for the World Championship.

Despite the result, Gorgenyi said the performance was the best by the team during the competition.

"Anyone who saw the goals we scored tonight, can see the ability there is in this team. They stood up for themselves against the world champions," Gorgenyi said.

Captain Naomi Castle, despondent after last night's defeat against Canada, was also pleased with the performance.

"I feel completely different to last night - I am enjoying the sport again," Castle said.

"We talked about two words before the game - guts and determination. We know there is the individual ability in the players but we need the experience to go on and produce performances like that consistently."

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