ITALY will be looking to improve on its 2021 Davis Cup showing, with a star player returning to the fold after overcoming an abdominal injury. The flow-on effect to the rest of the team will be noticeable, with the the nation well placed to challenge Russia for the qualifying spot in a rematch of last year’s final.

2022 ITALY TEAM

Matteo Berrettini
Jannik Sinner
Lorenzo Sonego
Simone Bolelli
Fabio Fognini

Italy might have reached the final of last year’s ATP Cup, but somehow despite an overhaul of the team, appear to be even better placed this year. Unfortunately the nation come up against reigning champions Russia in Group B, which poses the greatest threat to their chances at going one better in 2022. After he missed the Davis Cup due to an abdominal injury sustained in the ATP Finals, Berrettini returns as the number one singles player for Italy. He will be welcomed back by Sinner, who slots back as the number two singles player after having to step up to the top billing at the ATP Cup.

Sinner is one of two debutants at the 2022 edition, with third singles player Sonego the other one to join the team. He is likely to give Sinner a chop out when required, or against the lower nations if needed. Last year Berrettini defeated Dominic Thiem in straight sets, a match that will take place again here, as Italy knocked off Austria and France in the group stage. Not dropping a singles match in the lead-up to the 2021 final, Berrettini eventually succumbed to Daniil Medvedev, a player he will face again this year, but in the group stage. Andrey Rublev destroyed Fognini in the other singles in what was not a good tournament for the firebrand, but such has been the resurgence of Italian tennis, he will now likely play doubles rather than singles.

Top 10 doubles player Bolelli is always a threat and great experience, returning for another year on court. Though he will pair with Fognini more often than not, he can guide the Italians in their matches against Russia, Australia and Austria. Given the singles depth Italy possesses, expect the winner of Russia and Italy to advance, with no coming back for the loser.

Prediction: 2nd in Group B