Australia's hopes of reaching the Davis Cup final fall short after semi-final singles defeats for Alex de Minaur and Thanasi Kokkinakis against Italy.

Australia has fallen agonisingly short of its first Davis Cup title since 2003, losing in the semifinals to Italy. The Australian team reached the semifinal stage for the third consecutive year but in a rematch of last year’s final, were unfavourable in both singles rubbers against the defending champions.

Australia has advanced to the Davis Cup semifinals for the third year in a row. The Australians eliminated the United States 2-1 on Thursday when Matt Ebden and Jordan Thompson beat Ben Shelton and Tommy Paul 6-4,

The victory against Australia has brought Italy to the second consecutive Davis Cup final. Now focus on the next opponent: the Netherlands. Davis Cup, Italy's opponents in the final The Dutch

Italy seal Davis Cup final date with Netherlands as Jannik Sinner helps brush Australia aside - Defending champions ease into Malaga showpiece thanks to reigning world No1 and Matteo Berrettini

Top-ranked Jannik Sinner and Matteo Berrettini won matches Saturday in front of a supportive crowd in Malaga, Spain, to lift defending champion Italy past Australia 2-0 and back into the Davis Cup final.