Italy stun US 'Dream Team'

Italy pulled off a shocking upset when they crushed Athens favourites the United States by 95-78 in an Olympic exhibition game in Germany on Tuesday.

The Americans trailed by six at half-time and eight after three quarters, before being blown out in the fourth.

The margin of defeat was the largest suffered by the US since 1992 when NBA stars were invited to go to the Games.

The previous worst loss by an NBA-led team occurred on 4 September, 2002 when the Argentines won 87-80.

Italian forward Giacomo Galanda had 28 points and Gianluca Basile added 25 as the US struggled against a zone defence.

"They're going to be in for a lot of lessons for the next few weeks. It's a young team and it's a different game internationally," said US coach Larry Brown.

Carmelo Anthony led the Americans with 17 points and Tim Duncan contributed 15.

The Italy game kicked off the American's road trip against some of the top European teams.

On Wednesday, they face Dirk Nowitzki-led Germany, which beat Italy 85-77 on Sunday.

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