Olympics volleyball: Great Britain outclassed by Italy

Great Britain v Italy

Great Britain's women's volleyball team lost in straight sets to Italy in their third Olympics Group A outing.

The hosts, who had beaten Algeria in their previous match, were narrowly edged out in the first set 27-25.

However, the Italians, ranked number four in the world, secured each of the next two sets 25-12, with Carolina Costagrande (12 points) and Lucia Bosetti (11) in good form.

Lynne Beattie (11) and Ciara Michel (10) top scored for Britain.

Great Britain, who lost their London 2012 opener against Russia, have two matches remaining in the competition, against Dominican Republic on Friday (16:45 BST) and Japan on Sunday (14:45 BST).

A victory in either game should seal progress into the quarter-finals, but coach Audrey Cooper is targeting the Dominican fixture in particular.

"You're always looking for something out of a match and today [against Italy] it was a performance," she said.

"But come Friday, we are going for the Republic. We have been scouting them for the last year. It's going to be a massive match.

"Dominican will be feeling it, they are without a win so far, and we will be going for them."

Japan beat Dominican Republic 3-0 on Wednesday, while Russia joined Italy at the top of Group A on nine points.

Defending Olympic champions Brazil suffered a surprise 3-0 defeat by South Korea in Group B, while USA, who won the World Grand Prix in July, overcame China 3-0. Turkey also enjoyed a straight sets win against Serbia.