Italians shut out US to take Fed Cup home

Reggio Calabria: Italy on Sunday surged to their second Fed Cup title by taking an unassailable 3-0 lead over the United States.

Flavia Pennetta charged past Melanie Oudin 7-5 6-2 in the third singles rubber to wrap up an easy victory for the hosts.

Italy, who first won the trophy in 2006, had never beaten the US in nine previous Fed Cup ties.

"It's incredible, the girls have rewritten the history of Italian tennis," captain Corrado Barazzutti told reporters.

Pennetta, the world number 11, put Italy 1-0 up on Saturday when she beat Alexa Glatch before Francesca Schiavone also defeated Oudin.

The Americans continually struggled without Serena and Venus Williams, who opted not to compete, and failed to win a set.

Oudin, 18, gave Pennetta a great early boost by netting a simple shot and surrendering her serve in the first game.

Results

Italy beat 4-US 3-0

Flavia Pennetta (Italy) beat Melanie Oudin (US) 7-5 6-2

Played on Saturday

Francesca Schiavone (Italy) beat Melanie Oudin (US) 7-6(2) 6-2

Flavia Pennetta (Italy) beat Alexa Glatch (US) 6-3 6-1