Italy, the two-time defending champion, secured its place in the Davis Cup final on Friday after a hard-fought victory against Belgium on home ground in Bologna.
The decisive moment came in the second singles match, where Flávio Cobolli, ranked 22nd globally, overcame Zizou Bergs. Bergs, the Belgian opponent, failed to convert seven match points before Cobolli secured the victory.
Cobolli triumphed 6-3, 6-7 (5-7), 7-6 (15-13) in a grueling three-hour, four-minute contest. This arduous win ensured Italy’s return to the final for a third consecutive year.
Earlier, Matteo Berrettini, ranked 56th, had given Italy an initial lead. He comfortably defeated Raphael Collingnon, ranked 86th, with scores of 6-3, 6-4.
The Italian team now awaits the winner of the Saturday match between Spain and Germany. The final is scheduled for Sunday at the SuperTennis Arena, where Italy aims for its third consecutive Davis Cup title.