CONEGLIANO (EuroBasket 2009/FIBA Americas Championship) - Italy beat Canada 81-75 in a warm-up in Conegliano on Saturday night, but the game was far from friendly as it ended in a brawl.

Italy captain Matteo Soragna was forced to apologise after Stefano Mancinelli got entangled with Aaron Doonerkamp at the end of the game, prompting several other players to get involved.

"I am sorry that it happened," Soragna said. "The team has responded as one and that is a positive, although we did not want the incident to happen."

Newly-minted Toronto Raptor Marco Belinelli scored 22 points to lead Italy to victory in a game that was close throughout.

Italy used the game to work on several defensive formations as coach Carlo Recalcati gets ready to name his final squad for the EuroBasket Additional Qualifying Round campaign.

Jacopo Giachetti was the only other Italy player to score in double figures with 13 but the likes of Angelo Gigle and Valeria Amoroso came through with big baskets when required.

"We have done everything to take advantage and we have not quit," Soragna added, as the team prepare to face France in the AQR on Wednesday.

"We need to grow and be more solid against France, and also improve our transition."

Jesse Young had 27 points to lead Canada, who are warming up for the FIBA Americas Championship.

FIBA