The Blues had to win this match to be sure of finishing in first place in group D and thus face in the round of 16 the 4th in group B.
They failed on Monday by being surprised by Romania three sets to one (25-23, 16-25, 25-18, 25-21). The France team can still finish first if they beat Greece in their last group game on Tuesday.
The qualification for the round of 16 already in the pocket, the Italian coach of the Blues, Andrea Giani, had chosen to start Earvin Ngapeth and Kevin Tillie, both back from injury.
Lacking rhythm, they did not weigh against the totally uninhibited Romanians.
