Great Britain’s first Davis Cup quarter-final for 28 years will be played on clay in Naples, it was announced yesterday.

Britain won a World Group tie for the first time since 1986 against the United States earlier this month to send them through to a last-eight clash with Italy (April 4-6).

The victory in San Diego was also played on clay but Italy are likely to be a sterner challenge given both their top two players, Fabio Fognini and Andreas Seppi, play their best tennis on the surface.

Fognini, ranked at a career-high 14, has been one of the form players of the season so far and won three rubbers in Italy’s away win over Argentina in the previous round.

Andy Murray has committed to playing in the tie, while James Ward will hope to be given the second singles spot again after his crucial win over Sam Querrey in San Diego.

Both Dan Evans and Kyle Edmund have been in great form, though, while Leon Smith’s doubles pairing will depend on whether Murray wants to play on all three days.

The tie will be played at Tennis Club Napoli, and British captain Smith said: “We’re very excited to be playing our World Group quarter-final in Naples.

“The Italians have a very strong team and we are under no illusions as to how difficult this tie will be, but our team put on a great performance to beat the USA earlier this month and so we hope to carry that momentum forward and give this tie absolutely everything we’ve got.

“No doubt, the matches will be played in front of a very passionate home crowd in Naples, so we look forward to seeing as many British supporters out there as possible as it makes a huge difference for the team,” Smith added.

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