BOLOGNA — The red, white, and green confetti had barely settled on the clay courts of the Unipol Arena when the chants of “I-tal-ia! I-tal-ia!” reached a fever pitch. In a display of raw emotion and unbreakable team spirit, Italy’s men’s tennis team secured a historic third consecutive Davis Cup title, defeating a valiant Australian team 2-1 in a final that will be remembered for its drama and the emergence of new heroes.
Led by a stunning performance from Flavio Cobolli and a veteran masterclass from Matteo Berrettini, the Italian squad etched their names into the record books, becoming only the fourth nation in the Open Era to achieve a Davis Cup hat-trick. The victory in front of a raucous home crowd in Bologna was a testament to a bond that transcends individual accolades. As team captain Filippo Volandri stated, “This is not about one player; this is about a brotherhood.”
Cobolli's Coming-of-Age Moment
The weight of the nation rested on the shoulders of 21-year-old Flavio Cobolli, tasked with facing Australia’s top player, Alex de Minaur, in the opening rubber. De Minaur, known for his relentless speed and fighting spirit, was the clear favorite on paper. What unfolded, however, was a tactical masterpiece from the young Italian. Cobolli played with a fearless aggression, dictating play from the baseline and refusing to be drawn into de Minaur’s preferred extended rallies.
After a tight first set that went to a tiebreak, Cobolli found another gear, unleashing a series of breathtaking winners to seize the initiative. He closed out the match 7-6(5), 6-3, sending the Italian fans into a state of delirium. “I just believed in every shot,” a breathless Cobolli said courtside. “The crowd, my team… they gave me wings. I played for them.”
The Veteran Seals the Deal
With a 1-0 lead, the stage was set for former world number six Matteo Berrettini to potentially clinch the title against Alexei Popyrin. Berrettini, whose career has been marred by injuries in recent years, showcased the powerful serve and thunderous forehand that once made him a Wimbledon finalist. In a commanding display, he dismantled Popyrin 6-4, 6-0 in just over an hour.
The moment Berrettini’s final unreturnable serve kicked off the clay, he dropped to his knees, overcome with emotion. This victory was a personal redemption, a triumphant return to the highest level of the sport on the very team competition stage that means the most to him. “You play for so many things in your career, but the Davis Cup, for the flag, for the guys next to you… it’s different. It gives me chills,” Berrettini confessed, his voice cracking.
A Triumph Built on Depth and Unity
This historic hat-trick, following victories in 2022 and 2023, underscores a golden era for Italian men’s tennis. Unlike teams reliant on a single superstar, Italy’s success is built on an incredible depth of talent and a selfless team ethos. Throughout the week, different players stepped up at crucial moments, a fact not lost on Captain Volandri.
“We have eight, nine players who can all play at the highest level,” Volandri explained. “The difficult part is choosing who to play. The easy part is knowing that whoever I put on the court will leave their heart out there for Italy.” This collective strength was evident in the key contributors throughout the campaign:
- Jannik Sinner: Though absent for the final due to a minor knee complaint, the world number one was instrumental in securing Italy's place in the knockout stages.
- Lorenzo Musetti: Provided a critical victory in the semi-final against Serbia.
- Lorenzo Sonego & Simone Bolelli: The veteran doubles specialists secured multiple pivotal points throughout the group phase.
The Decisive Doubles Drama
Despite Berrettini’s clincher, the final was not over. The rules dictate all three rubbers must be played, leading to a dead doubles rubber that somehow produced some of the most dramatic tennis of the day. The Australian pair of Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell fought tooth and nail to secure a consolation win, taking the match 7-5, 6-3 against Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori.
The result did nothing to dampen the Italian celebration, which had already begun the moment Berrettini sealed his match. The sight of the entire Italian team, draped in flags and embracing on the court, was a powerful image of national pride and sporting camaraderie.
A Legacy Cemented in Italian Sport
With this third straight title, the Italian team joins an elite group of nations—United States, Sweden, and Czech Republic—to have achieved a Davis Cup hat-trick in the Open Era. The victory solidifies Italy's status as a modern tennis powerhouse and inspires a new generation. The scenes of celebration extended from Bologna's courts to the streets, where fans gathered to welcome home their champions.
As the team lifted the iconic silver cup for the third year running, Captain Volandri summed up the feeling of a nation: “This is for every Italian, everywhere. We showed the world what it means to be a team, to fight for each other. This,” he said, gesturing to his emotional players, “this is the real victory. This brotherhood.”