Italy beats the Netherlands 2-1 in Malaga and reaches the semi-finals of the Davis Cup , where on Saturday they will face the winner of the match between Serbia and Great Britain.

Jannik Sinner , fresh finalist at the ATP Finals in Turin, is the driving force behind the Azzurri, also decisive in doubles.

The day is off to an uphill start for Italy. In the first singles Matteo Arnaldi was defeated in an almost three-hour battle against Botic Van de Zandschulp: 6-7, 6-3, 7-6 for the Dutchman, with the Italian also wasting three matchpoints in the tiebreak of the third and decisive set.

Then the number 1s take to the field, and Jannik Sinner prevails over Tallon Griekspoor . The South Tyrolean wins a first set fought in the tiebreak and spreads in the second: 7-6, 6-1 .

In the decisive doubles Volandri, who has no specialists, still relies on his best player, supported by Sonego. The Netherlands fields doubles player Koolhof, one of the best in the world in the specialty, and Griekspoor again. But Sinner is amazing in return and surgical on serve, Sonego plays a great game and there is no story. One break per set is enough to close it: 6-3, 6-4 in favor of Italy .

Now let's move on to Saturday, when the match between Sinner and Djokovic could take place again.

(Unioneonline/L)