Don't like defending Olympic men's beach volleyball champions Todd Rogers and Phil Dalhausser's dynamic duds?

Well, you don't have to worry about seeing them anymore.

The Beijing gold medalists were stunned in the Round of 16 by the Italian team of Paolo Nicolai and Daniele Lupo, 21-17, 21-19.

On the surface, it is a monumental upset. Nicolai and Lupo needed to beat Canada in what is called a "lucky loser" match just to advance to the Round of 16 after going 1-2 in pool play.

In reality, it's not all that surprising. For whatever reason the 21-year-olds have been a tough matchup for Rogers and Dalhausser -- this is the third time the top team in the world has lost to Nicolai and Lupo in their careers.

When interviewed following the match, Rogers and Dalhausser took a pass on the chance to attribute the loss to their various injuries and ailments, heaping praise on a team that's been compared to them.

"People say 'They're the young Phil and Todd.' I guess they just Phil and Todded us to death," Rogers said afterwards.

The Italians were similiarly gracious in victory.

"For me, they are like an idol," Nicolai said. "It's strange to beat them at the Olympics. I don't know how to react."

Perhaps the only appropriate way for the Italians to honor their idols would be by wearing crazy uniforms the rest of the way. Just a thought.

PHOTO: Ryan Pierse, Getty Images