China swallowed its second defeat here Friday in the 23rd Universiade men's football competition with a humiliating 5-0 loss to Italy, former runner-up of the tournament.

The unexpected injury of two defenders made China's defense even more fragile than that of last game. The Italian scored twice by Cusaro Fabio on 20th minute and Aquaro Roberto 30th minute, leaving their Chinese peers no choice but to launch full attacks.

Italian midfielder Parolo Marco's two goals on 51st and 65th minutes virtually announced China's second loss, and his teammate Ierna Guiseppe helped him rewrite the scoreboard to a victorious 5-0.

China also created several chances in the second half, but neither of them was successfully converted into a goal.

China now has a very slim chance of advancing by losing eight goals without a single point. If Uruguay, who defeated China 4-1 on Wednesday, fails to conquer South Africa who earned an unexpected win over Italy, in the following game, the Chinese footballers will bid their early farewell to the Izmir Universiade.

(Xinhua News Agency August 13, 2005)