Without Sinner and Musetti, reigning champion Italy goes to Davis Cup semifinals after 2-0 with Austria

Italy is in the Davis Cup semi-finals for the fourth consecutive year, seeking a third straight title after triumphing in 2023 and 2024 led by Jannik Sinner.

The recent winner of the ATP Finals announced in advance that he will not participate in this year's final tournament again Lorenzo Musettiwho also played in the Tournament of Champions, later imitated him, exhausted after a busy season.

The representative led from the bench by Filippo Volandri however, it has resources, thanks to a boost of talent and visible results in recent years. This was also seen in the duel with Austria, the seventh Davis Cup between the two nations, Italy now leading with 6-1.

Returning home, in Bologna, after the two titles won in Spain, in Malaga, the Italians benefited from the positive vibes, encouragement and applause of the spectators present in the Supertennis Arena.

Matteo Berrettini, thrilling victory in the first match

Matteo Berrettini entered the field first, benefiting from Volandri's confidence following his flawless run in 2024: 6 matches out of 6 won. It didn't matter that he was only third in the ranking among those available this week, and the Wimbledon 2021 finalist justified the choice.

He prevailed in the first match against the left-handed Jurij Rodionov with 6-3, 7-6 (4) in one hour and 35 minutes, coming back superbly in the second set from 2-5 down.

“I was very happy to step on the pitch and even more so to play first. To come here, to enjoy the atmosphere, the team, my colleagues, my good friends. It's something really special to me” said Berrettini.

“One of the reasons I play tennis is to feel this kind of energy, these emotions. I'm happy, but even more because I won. I don't just play for myself, but for the team, for my country“, he emphasized after the end of the game.

Berrettini comes out on top 🔝

He defeats Jurij Rodionov 6-3 7-6(4) to take the first point for Italy 🇮🇹#DavisCup pic.twitter.com/eOceioy1W5

— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 19, 2025

Matteo reacted better even after a rather long period of interruption of the match in the second set, the reason being the lighting system in the arena. The Italian saved the three set points procured by Rodionov at 5-4, then won clearly, 7-4, in the tie-break.

“I told myself to take it point by point. I served well and I'm happy about it“, said Matteo, who raised the spectators to their feet, celebrating, at the end of the game.

Flavio Cobolli, victory in one hour to qualify for the semi-finals

In the second, Flavio Cobollithe third Italian in the world ranking after Sinner and Musetti, had a much smoother crossing of the partideo against his Filip Misolic. He started out fired up, setting the pace of the game with explosive hitting from both sides, and it continued that way until the end. And the opponent simply did not find an answer.

Cobolli sends Italy into the next round to the delight of the home crowd 😍#DavisCup pic.twitter.com/cTaexKHW3h

— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 19, 2025

The game barely lasted an hour, returning to this year's champion from Bucharest with 6-1, 6-3.

I feel wonderful. It was a great match. I got a little emotional at the end because it's always a dream to play in the Italian shirt. Today I played an amazing match, I feel very happy with my game and also with the victory – Flavio Cobolli

Italy's winning streak has reached 12 matches. Next up will be against Belgium in the semi-finals, with Zizou Bergs and Raphael Collignon springing a surprise on Tuesday and beating France in the 'quarters'.

Program for Thursday, November 20

• Quarter finals
• 11:00 am » Spain – Czech Republic
• 18:00 » Argentina – Germany