Matteo Berrettini pushed two-time reigning champions Italy within touching distance of a third straight Davis Cup final after sweeping past Belgium’s Raphael Collignon in straight sets.

Berrettini handled a brief surge from Collignon in the second set before closing out a confident 6-3, 6-4 victory.

Now Italy’s hopes rest with Flavio Cobolli, who can seal a return to the final if he defeats Zizou Bergs. A win would make Italy the first nation since Australia in 2001 to reach three finals in a row.

Even without world number two Jannik Sinner and number eight Lorenzo Musetti, Italy are chasing a rare feat, becoming the first team in 53 years to claim three straight Davis Cup trophies.

Whoever advances will meet either Spain or Germany in Sunday’s (November 23) showdown.