(Reuters)
Updated: 2007-09-05 04:31

MADRID, Sept 4 - Italy suffered a second consecutive defeat in Group D losing 69-62 to France at the European Championship on Tuesday.

Carlo Recalcati's side, gold medallists in 1999 and 1983, looked to have recovered well from their defeat at the buzzer by Slovenia on Monday, leading by five points at the midway point.

But France struck back in the third quarter with San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker leading the way.

The first European to win the MVP award in the NBA finals last season notched up a game high 36 points.

France's second win puts them in the next phase but Italy must beat Poland on Wednesday to avoid a surprise early exit.

Elsewhere, games went as expected.

Russia in Group A and Lithuania in Group C made it two wins from two to book their slots. The Russians thrashed Israel 90-56 and 2003 gold medallists Lithuania beat Czech Republic 95-75.

Later on Tuesday, holders Greece can ensure their place in the next stage with a win over Serbia, as can hosts and world champions Spain if they overcome Latvia.