Lausanne, Switzerland, May 31, 2017 - Italy hope to extend their winning streak against Iran when they host the Asian side in Pesaro on Friday. Iran haven't beaten Italy since their 3-1 win at the 2014 FIVB World Championship in Poland.
Head-to-Head• Italy have won their last three major encounters with Iran, matches in the 2015 World Cup, 2016 World League and 2016 Olympic Games. Italy won all three in straight sets.
• Iran's last major victory over Italy came in the first round at the 2014 World Championship (3-1).
• Since 2013, they have met in the World League eight times, with Italy leading the series 5-3.
Italy• Italy will make their 28th World League participation and join Brazil as the only ever-presents in the competition that was installed in 1990.
• Italy have been crowned World League champions eight times and in that respect only trail Brazil's nine.
• Italy last won the World League in 2000 and have not reached the final since 2004.
Iran• Iran will make their fifth World League participation and will appear in the competition for the fifth season in a row.
• A fourth place finish in 2014 ranks as Iran's best performance in a single World League campaign.
• Last season, Iran recorded an eighth place finish in the World League.