Italy have successfully defended their Davis Cup title, securing a third consecutive victory after overcoming Spain in an electrifying final in Bologna. The Italian team clinched the trophy despite the absence of their star player Jannik Sinner, while Spain competed without world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz.
The final hinged on singles matches, with Matteo Berrettini and Flavio Cobolli stepping up to deliver decisive wins for Italy. Berrettini, a 2021 Wimbledon finalist, opened the contest by defeating Pablo Carreño Busta 6-3, 6-4. The Italian powerhouse served 13 aces and maintained composure throughout, securing the only break in the eighth game of the first set and again breaking deep into the second set to seal the victory in one hour and 18 minutes.
The second singles match provided a thrilling climax to the tie. Flavio Cobolli faced Jaume Munar in a contest that tested both players’ resilience. Munar dominated the opening set, breaking Cobolli twice, and immediately broke again in the second set’s opening game. However, Cobolli quickly recovered, breaking back and taking the second set in a tense tie-break. In the final set, Cobolli secured a crucial break in the 11th game and served out the match to love, clinching the Davis Cup for Italy.
Italy’s triumph is particularly impressive given the absence of Sinner, who opted out to prepare for the upcoming season. The team demonstrated depth and determination, with Berrettini and Cobolli delivering under pressure to uphold Italy’s dominance in the competition.
Spain, meanwhile, struggled to fill the void left by Alcaraz, with Carreño Busta and Munar unable to secure a win. Despite their spirited performances, they fell short against a well-prepared and resilient Italian side.
With this victory, Italy cements its status as the premier Davis Cup nation in recent years, achieving a remarkable three-year streak of success. The performances of Berrettini and Cobolli highlight the depth of Italian tennis and suggest the country will remain a formidable force in the team competition for years to come.
