The Australian women's water polo team, the Aussie Stingers, have produced a fine opening game against Italy to signal a stern warning to their Olympic rivals.

Led by an inspirational Kate Gynther, the Stingers controlled the game from the opening whistle to defeat the 2004 Olympic champions 10-8.

Italy was able to mount some pressure in the final term to reduce the margin to two, but it was the Stingers four goal haul in the third period which sealed the contest.

The Stingers dominated the majority of exchanges in opening half, but a flurry of outside shots by the Italians had the scores level at half time.

The girls then blew open the game with some fantastic centre back play and speedy counter-attack to stun the Italians.

Nicola Zagame's amazing one on one steal and subsequent counter-attack goal in that period was one of the highlights.

Captain Gynther was at her brilliant best as she netted three superb goals, while a double to Zagame and a reassuring performance by custodian Alicia McCormack, provided the perfect assistance.

In all, seven Stingers' earned their name on the scorer's sheet, a statistic which delighting coach McFadden.

"It is a great result, any win (at the Olympics) is a good win," Stingers coach Greg McFadden said.

"Our extra-man defence was excellent and the girls really worked for each other.

"We're just focusing on one game at a time and we'll now get ready for our next game."

The Stingers next game is against hosts Great Britain at 4.40am on Thursday morning AEST.

Aussie Stingers

Victoria Brown, Gemma Beadsworth, Sophie Smith, Holly Lincoln-Smith, Jane Moran, Bronwen Knox, Rowie Webster, Kate Gynther (c), Glencora Ralph, Ash Southern, Mel Rippon, Nicola Zagame, Alicia McCormack

Result: Australia 10 bt Italy 8

X man for: 1 from 3 and 1 from 1 penalty

X man against: Italy scored 2 from 6 and 2 from 2 penalties

Qtrs: 2-1, 2-3, 4-0, 2-4

AUS Scorers: Kate Gynther 3, Nicola Zagame 2, Glencora Ralph, Rowie Webster, Ashleigh Southern, Holly Lincoln-Smith, Bronwen Knox

Source: Australian Water Polo