Croatia vs Argentina – Group Stage – Preview & Prediction | 2022 Davis Cup Finals
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THE FACTS
When is Croatia vs Argentina on and what time does it start? Croatia vs Argentina will take place on Saturday 17th September, 2022 – not before 15:00 (UK)
Where is Croatia vs Argentina taking place? Croatia vs Argentina will take place at Unipol Arena in Bologna, Italy
What surface is Croatia vs Argentina being played on? Croatia vs Argentina will take place on an indoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Croatia vs Argentina? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Croatia vs Argentina
What channel is Croatia vs Argentina on in the UK? TBC
Where can I stream Croatia vs Argentina in the UK? TBC
THE LOWDOWN
Last season’s runners-up Croatia gave themselves a fighting chance in a tightly-contested Group A by edging out Sweden 2-1 on Thursday. Borna Gojo lost a tight opener with Elias Ymer in the opener before Borna Coric, who comes in as first option this season as Marin Cilic’s replacement, took the first and third set of a well-fought clash with Mikael Ymer. Croatia’s trump card at the Davis Cup is former world number one doubles Nikola Mektic and Mete Pavic and they saw off the Ymer brothers in straight sets to seal the tie.
Host nation Italy are safely through to the Davis Cup Finals as Group A winners after Matteo Berrettini and Jannik Sinner won their singles matches against Sebastian Baez and Francisco Cerundolo, respectively. Sinner was taken to three sets by Cerundolo, who stood in for Argentina’s top option Diego Schwartzman masterfully, whilst Berrettini looked more comfortable on court against Baez than we have seen for some time. The Italians are unlikely to rest their top players against Croatia here as they look to entertain their raucous home fans in Bologna but there is a chance that Lorenzo Musetti comes in to feature at the expense of Sinner or Berrettini.
THE PREDICTION
There are a few permutations here that could affect the tie as Italy are already through and Matteo Berrettini may well be rested after struggling with fitness issues over much of the season. World number 30 Lorenzo Musetti should still have more than enough to beat Borna Gojo in the second option opening match here, though, so whomever faces Croatia first-off should take Italy 1-0 up. Jannik Sinner thrives in front of home fans and he will be the solid favourite to beat Borna Coric in their first option clash, with a three-set victory over the 25-year-old coming at Monte-Carlo this April. This is just as well for the hosts because Mektic and Pavic could be counted on to take the doubles decider with Simone Bolelli and Fabio Fognini, who should not be rotated out for top singles players given they are already through. For these reasons, backing Italy to win outright looks the suitably cautious move instead of opting for a reasonably likely 2-1 scoreline.
