US Team Embarrassed in Upset Italy 95, United States 78

The U.S. men's Olympic team did more than merely lose. It was embarrassed and exposed like never before in international competition.

Losing an exhibition game for the first time when using NBA players, the Americans were completely outclassed by lightly regarded Italy, never even making it close in the fourth quarter of a 95-78 upset Tuesday.

``This is a wakeup call for us,'' Philadelphia 76ers star Allen Iverson said. ``I think we need something like this to understand it's not going to be easy.''

Iverson winced when Massimo Bulleri made a 3-pointer despite falling down and having the past NBA scoring champion's hand in his face late in the third quarter.

``We just didn't communicate well on defense,'' Iverson said.

In an effort to avoid a similar display, the current U.S. squad is touring Europe before heading to Greece. On Wednesday, it will face Dirk Nowitzki-led Germany, which beat Italy 85-77 Sunday.

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