Italy secured a win over France in their first Group D match at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Seville on Wednesday, with Martina Trevisan and Jasmine Paolini claiming singles victories.
Trevisan staged a comeback after a slow start to defeat Alize Cornet 2-6 6-2 6-2 in the opening match.
Paolini, 27, then fought back from a 4-2 deficit in the deciding set to triumph over Caroline Garcia 7-6(6) 5-7 6-4 in a match that lasted nearly two hours and 39 minutes.
France will aim to secure at least one point in the later doubles match.
Italy has now emerged victorious in five of its last seven encounters with France in the premier women’s team competition.
Later on Wednesday, host nation Spain will go up against Canada in the initial Group C match.
(Reporting by Martyn Herman)
