Mark Lewis-Francis was upset in the 100m by Frenchman Ronald Pognon on day two of Great Britain's faltering European Cup challenge in Florence. The Briton was expected to grab maximum points for Team GB but could not catch Pognon, who clocked 10.06 seconds.
There was some consolation for Lewis-Francis as he helped Britain's 4x100m team power to a vital victory.
But Team GB still lie in last place after two days of action - they must finish fifth to avoid relegation.
Lewis Francis tried to look on the bright side after finishing second over 100m with a season's best of 10.10.
"For Pognon to come out here and beat me - that's a big shock to me," the 22-year-old told BBC Sport.
"I can't complain. To run 10.10 has boosted my confidence and I'm confident I'll qualify for the worlds and up my game."
Fellow Olympic sprint relay gold medallists Jason Gardener and Marlon Devonish along with Christian Malcolm - in for Darren Campbell - restored some pride, winning the relay in 38.67.
But that was to be the only victory for Team GB after two days of competiton in Florence.
Chris Rawlinson finished sixth in the men's 400m hurdles, winning three points for Team GB.
The 33-year-old has only just returned to training after a hernia operation and faded off the final bend to finish in 50.44 seconds.
"It's frustrating as I technically didn't run well over the last 120m," Rawlinson told BBC Sport.
"I'll keep plugging away, go back to training hard and I will not come back out until I can run 48 seconds."
There was more disappointment in the 400m when British number one Malachi Davis trailed home in fifth.
The American-born athlete was well-placed coming into the final 80m but could not deliver a final push for the line, clocking 46.15.
"Unfortunately it just wasn't my day," said Davis, who took four points for Team GB. "And I'm still positive about progressing for the rest of the season."
Cardiff's James Thie never really got into his stride in the 1500m, coming home in seventh spot.
In the field, Carl Myerscough was expected to do well in the shot put but the 'Blackpool Tower' settled for fourth, landing 20.05m
Nathan Morgan appeared to be struggling with a back injury in the long jump as he struggled to 7.30m - not enough to move out of last place - on his final effort.
And Emeka Udechuku finished last in the discus with a best throw of 57.38m.
With one day left of competition, British men stood last of the eight teams with 38 points.
France topped the men's standings on 76 points, one-and-a-half clear of Germany.
MMIX
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I'll keep plugging away but this is very demoralising for me
