Wellington Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano saw his team hit their pre-season target to open up a six-point gap over nearest rivals Central Coast Mariners on Sunday, less than a week before the A-League's top two meet in a season-defining clash.

The 1-0 home win over Brisbane Roar left Italiano "ecstatic" as Wellington moved onto 46 points from 23 games, six more than a Mariners side who have played one game fewer and who lost to Sydney FC on Saturday.