2021 Davis Cup Quarter-Finals – Italy vs Croatia – Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Italy vs Croatia on and what time does it start? Italy vs Croatia will run from Monday 29th November, 2021 not before 15:00 (UK)
Where is Italy vs Croatia taking place? Italy vs Croatia will take place at the Pala Alpitour, Milan, Italy
What surface is Italy vs Croatia being played on? Italy vs Croatia will take place on an indoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Italy vs Croatia? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Italy vs Croatia
What channel is Italy vs Croatia on? Italy vs Croatia will be televised on Eurosport 1 live in the UK
Where can I stream Italy vs Croatia? Eurosport subscribers can stream Italy vs Croatia live via their platform or via a Eurosport pass on Amazon Prime
THE LOWDOWN
Team Italy came through a tough-looking Group E with aplomb on home soil in Turin, with a 4-2 lead over next-best Colombia on 3-3. The Italians lost two dead rubbers in the doubles having already won their ties against Colombia and a sorry USA in the singles. On both occasions, a fired-up Lorenzo Sonego put the Italians ahead to leave world number 10 Jannik Sinner an advantage in the second matches against Daniel Elahi Galan and John Isner.
Team Croatia looked the likely winners of Group D before play got underway but with Borna Coric’s odd inclusion proving unlikely it was Borna Gojo who stepped up. The 23-year-old is currently ranked at world number 279 but such is the way with Davis Cup Finals tennis he overcame Australia’s Alexei Popyrin in straight sets to hand Marin Cilic an advantage against Alex de Minaur, winning in three sets. Croatia took that tie 3-0 against a sorry Australian outfit and despite a slip-up when Cilic lost to world number 283 Zsombar Piros they came through the group as worthy 5-1 winners.
THE PREDICTION
Based on their group stage performances this first quarter-final looks set to hang on what either of Borna Gojo or Croatia’s second option, world number 243 Nino Serdarusic, can do against Lorenzo Sonego. The Italians were explosive on home soil in Turin but there could be a bounce for Croatia as they come in from almost silent conditions in Innsbruck to a rowdy stadium. World number 27 Sonego should be beating either of Croatia’s second options first out on court but there is certainly a chance that the crowd buzz bolsters Croatia, who played their group matches behind closed doors in Innsbruck.
Jannik Sinner is a man in form who should be able to beat world number 30 Marin Cilic if the 33-year-old cannot find a way to amp up his performances but the Croat will likely be playing to keep his side in the tie and that looks a thrilling battle. Italy know that they face the world’s top-ranked doubles side in Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic in the decider and they will be desperate to make it 2-0 before then. The winner of this tie hangs on the first match. If Sonego wins Team Italy should get the job done but a win for Croatia sets up a thrilling decider that should swing their way. Take Italy to win the tie 2-1 here but there is plenty riding on Sonego’s shoulders.
