BOLOGNA, Italy — Two-time defending champion Italy reached the Davis Cup final after Flavio Cobolli beat Zizou Bergs of Belgium 6-3, 6-7 (5), 7-6 (15) after saving seven match points in a dramatic semifinal on Friday.

After wasting six match points of his own, Cobolli finally got Italy over the line. He ripped off his shirt and celebrated with his teammates and eventually went to comfort Bergs, who was consoled by his team as he cried on his chair.

The 17-15 final set tiebreak was the sixth longest in Davis Cup history.

“We fought for our country, for this win, but in the end I realized my dream,” Cobolli said. “I played for all of my team, my family, and it’s one of the best days of my life.”

Cobolli gave Italy an unassailable 2-0 lead without needing the doubles contest.

Italy is ri

See Full Page