IT has seemed a world away since Spain lifted the 2019 Davis Cup. While the 2020 edition was ultimately cancelled and had to be postponed until 2021, it gives tennis fans extra time to work out what teams might look like when it recommences.

Draft Central will take a look at various nations over the break and see what each team might look like. Today’s team is Italy, which has a good mix of youth and established players. Italy is just one point behind Germany in terms of Davis Cups rankings and will be eager to climb up the rankings system.

TEAM:

#10 Matteo Berrettini
#17 Fabio Fognini
#37 Jannik Sinner
#8 Simone Bolelli

The highest ranked Italian player, Matteo Berrettini is a commanding presence on-court with the 24-year-old able to use his right hand to full effect and push past his competitors time and time again. Having reached as high as number eight in the world, Berrettini knows what it takes to win and has the firepower to do so given his strength on the serve and impressive ability to save break points.

The other player to get a run in the singles would be Fabio Fognini, with the Italian second seed a seasoned campaigner and experienced on the Davis Cup front. Despite being nine years his senior, Fognini is similar to Berrettini in the way he approaches the game, using his powerful right arm to combat his opponents. Fognini is more than capable of challenging some of the top players from the other nations credit to his experience and all-round smarts, but given the rapid rise and star power of Berrettini, the youngster will more than likely take the top gong. Fognini has also proven to be a more than viable option for doubles, ranking as high as seven and highlighting his general court coverage and prowess in multiple facets.

Youngster Jannik Sinner burst onto the scene and could play a handy role as the third singles player for Italy. At the ripe age of 19, Sinner still has plenty of development left in him but has displayed his grit and determination to work his way up the rankings and claim some big wins. He is stronger on hard courts with a better win-loss ratio making this tournament his forte.

When it comes to players that can fulfil the role as a doubles candidate, the first name that springs to mind is that of Simone Bolelli, who has established himself a solid option. Partnered with the likes of Fognini, the two are renowned for their connection on-court and silky skills, with 35-year-old Bolelli oozing experience and smarts. The duo have both been ranked inside the Top 10, making them an obvious choice for the Davis Cup.