A dominant Jannik Sinner outclassed Australia’s Alex de Minaur to help Italy secure their first Davis Cup title for 47 years.
Matteo Arnaldi beat Alexei Popyrin 7-5 2-6 6-4 in a nervy opening singles match to put Italy 1-0 up in the tie in Malaga, Spain.
Sinner then backed up his sterling week with a 6-3 6-0 win over De Minaur.
Italy, whose previous triumph came in 1976, previously reached the final in 1998, when they lost to Sweden.
There were scenes of jubilation as the Italy team flooded on the court to celebrate with Sinner, who raised his arms in the air after De Minaur’s backhand skewed wide to ensure victory.
“It has been an incredible feeling for all of us, obviously we are really happy,” Sinner said afterwards.
Australia were bidding for a 29th Davis Cup title but have now lost back-to-back finals, having been beaten by Canada last year.
More to follow.