Italy sweeps Austria to reach Davis Cup semifinals

Two-time defending champion Italy cruised past Austria on Wednesday and advanced to the Davis Cup semifinals in Bologna, Italy.

Playing without World No. 2 Jannik Sinner and No. 8 Lorenzo Musetti, the Italians won both of their singles matches in straight sets in the quarterfinals to set up a clash with Belgium.

Matteo Berrettini defeated Jurij Rodionov 6-3, 7-6 (4) in one hour and 35 minutes, overcoming a 5-2 deficit in the second set. Berrettini fired seven aces and saved four of five break points.

Flavio Cobolli followed with a 6-1, 6-3 triumph against Filip Misolic in 66 minutes, saving all five break points and finishing with eight aces.

The doubles match was not necessary.

Belgium advanced to the semifinals on Tuesday by defeating France.

Action continues Thursday as Argentina faces Germany and Spain takes on the Czech Republic in the other quarterfinals.