Davis Cup, Volandri's squad

Filippo Volandri has named Italy's provisional squad for the Davis Cup Final 8, to be held in Bologna from 24 to 29 November. The team features Flavio Cobolli, Luciano Darderi, Lorenzo Musetti and the doubles pair of Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori. Left out are Matteo Berrettini and Matteo Arnaldi, along with Jannik Sinner, who ended his season early on 6 October to treat an inflammation in his right knee.

Berrettini's omission is the one drawing the most attention. A year ago, also in Bologna, the Roman won all of his singles matches against Austria, Belgium and Spain and, together with Cobolli, led an Italy without Sinner to a third consecutive title. Volandri explained the choices by pointing to the rankings:

"As usual, these call-ups were drawn up taking into account the current ranking positions."

Cobolli is now world number 6. The captain added that in the coming weeks the staff will assess each player's condition before settling on the lineup.

The list can still change. The rules allow up to three replacements until 11am on Monday 23 November, and the most recent precedent involves Musetti himself: also called up in 2025, he withdrew after the ATP Finals because of his physical condition and because his partner was expecting their second child. Taking his place was Lorenzo Sonego, who this year remains among the options for any changes, together with Berrettini and Arnaldi.

Italy will open on Wednesday 25 November at 4pm in the quarter-finals against South Korea, chasing a fourth consecutive title.