The Inter Milan winger and his professional playing partner Niksa Dell'Orco had been handed a wildcard to play at the resort town of Peškera Ba.

They were due to get their campaign started yesterday but a rain delay saw their opening matches postponed for 24 hours.

When they did finally take to the sand, they were outclassed by Brazilians Saymon Barbosa and Alvaro Filho.

The South Americans claimed a comfortable 21-10, 21-10 win.

"It was an honour to play against one of the great footballers in the world," Filho, playing in his 50th FIVB World Tour event, said.

"He is a great athlete and the big difference was his experience level in playing our sport.

"He's a competitive person and has shown that he has great athletic ability."

In the Croatians' second match this evening they were once again beaten.

Theo Brunner and Casey Patterson of the United States recorded a 21-11, 21-16 victory. 

Defending champions Alison Cerutti and Bruno Oscar Schmidt from Brazil claimed their second win in Group E.

The Olympic champions collected a comfortable 21-14, 21-15 victory over Chilean cousins Marco and Esteban Grimalt.

In the women's competition, top seeds and 2015 champions Talita Antunes and Larissa Franca of Brazil are through to the last 16 after finishing top of Pool A.

After winning both of their matches yesterday, they sealed their progression with a 19-21, 21-15, 15-12 success over Germany's Laura Ludwig and Margareta Kozuch.

Kristyna Kolocova and Michala Kvapilova of the Czech Republic are also through from Pool B.

The 14th seeds Kelly Claes and Sara Hughes of the US topped Pool C.

Canadians Brandie Wilkerson and Heather Bansley of Canada are also through after they finished first in Group D.

Action at Peškera Bay is due to continue tomorrow with further pool stage action.