Egypt's men performed well against Italy on Thursday but ultimately suffered a third successive defeat in the FIVB Volleyball World Cup in Japan.

"It was tough for us at the start. Their serves were strong," said Italy captain Simone Buti after the game, adding, "We turned the match around in the second and third sets. They were a surprise. Their reception was good and they played well at the start."

Ivan Zaytsev scored 24 times to lead Italy into a 3-1 win (20-25, 26-24, 25-22, 25-13) to crash the Pharaohs solid blocking.

Italy coach Gian Lorenzo Blengini also praised the Egyptians' performance, calling the game "difficult".

"All matches in this competition are difficult. Today was no different. They had a good service and attack. They played more of an attacking game early, but we were able to turn it around later by becoming more aggressive," Blengini told the tournament website after the game.

Italy's Volleyball team celebrate winning third successive game in the World Cup against Egypt, Japan, 10 September 2015 (Photo: FIVB)

Italy are now second in the 12-team tournament on nine points from three victories, while Egypt are ninth with only two points collected in two 2-3 defeats, to Japan and Canada.

"We played against a strong team," said the African champions' coach Nehad Shehata, praising his aspiring team who are targeting an improved international ranking from the tournament.

"We had a good start and played well in the first two sets. Generally I thought we played well. It was a good experience for us against the top players on the Italian team," Shehata added.

Captain Abdel-Hay (R) with Egypt Volleyball team during Italy game in the World Cup in Japan, 10 September 2015 (Photo: FIVB)

Egypt, who won their sixth successive - and eighth overall- African title on 30 July, are targeting an improved global ranking of seventh or eighth. 

"We knew Italy was a strong team. We were good in the first set but after the first set the difference in experience showed and they won," said Egypt captain Ahmed Abdel-Hay.

Abdel-Hay is the currently the tournament's best scorer with total 73( 65 spikes,1 block and 7 serves) ahead of Argentina's Facundo Conte, total 62.

"We played our best. Playing 14 sets in three days is tough. We take the experience of playing against big names on the Italy team. We will rest tomorrow and get ready for the next matches," Abdel-Hay added.

The Pharaohs' next game will be against Australia on 12 September, one day before they take on the United States of America.

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