(ANSA) - ROME, NOV 19 - Italy beat Poland 2-1 to reach the
final of the Billie Jean King Cup for the second consecutive
year thanks to Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini's 7-5 7-5
victory over Katarzyna Kawa and Iga Swiatek in the decisive
doubles match overnight.
Lucia Bronzetti had put Italy in front with a win over Magda
Linette in the opening singles rubber on Monday, but five-time
Grand Slam champion Swiatek levelled by coming from a set down
to beat Paolini in the second clash.
Italy will face Slovakia in the final of former Fed Cup as they
bid to win it for the fifth time.
"My girls never gave up," said Italy captain Tathiana Garbin.
"I am very proud of my team, of everyone who works for us, for
the girls, to ensure that they enter the field prepared in the
best possible way.
"But it's not over yet, there is still work to do.
"The girls will have to fight again, remain proud of being here
and not give up.
"You never lose if you don't give up".
Slovakia beat Great Britain in the other semi after winning the
doubles after Emma Raducanu beat Viktoria Hruncakova 6-4 6-4 and
Rebecca Sramkova beat Katie Boulter 2-6 6-4 6-4.
In the decisive rubber Viktoria Hruncakova and Tereza Mihalikova
defeated Olivia Nicholls and Heather Watson 6-2 6-2. (ANSA).