Fed Cup holders Italy again showed their sum is greater than their parts after easily dismissing the Czech Republic and storming into another final yesterday.

World no.15 Flavia Pennetta, who has never threatened in the individual grand slams, displayed her special attachment to the team competition by defeating Petra Kvitova 7-6 (7-3) 6-2 to give Italy an unassailable 3-0 lead in the semi-final.

Italy, with no great tennis tradition, lifted the Fed Cup in 2006 and 2009 and have now reached four finals in five years.

Only a brave gambler would bet against them beating the US or Russia in November's final.

"It's an incredible emotion. We are again in the final and all the team are euphoric," Pennetta said courtside after her second singles win on Rome's clay in two days.

US vs Russia

Elena Dementieva and Melanie Oudin won their opening singles matches on Saturday to leave the Fed Cup semi-final between Russia and the US tied at 1-1.

Oudin gave the hosts a perfect start when she recorded a 6-3 6-3 win over Alla Kudryavtseva before Dementieva defeated Bethanie Mattek-Sands 6-4 6-3 to level the tie at the indoor hard court in Birmingham.

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