Team GB fought back to take the match to the final end but Italy kept their nerve
Team GB's men were left to rue a shocking first end as a stubborn fightback against hosts Italy in a throbbing Cortina Curling Stadium was not enough to prevent their first defeat of these Winter Olympics.
After winning their opening two matches, including against the Swedish rink who beat them in the gold-medal match four years ago, the British team went into their second high-grade encounter in two days in a strong position.
However, a horrendous first end - during which the Italians stole four points - left them chasing in front of a raucous home crowd armed with horns, bells and whistles.
These British players are the world's top-ranked rink for a reason though, and they slowly reeled in Italy, levelling in the ninth end.
