Fed Cup: USA drawn away to Italy in World Group play-offs
Tuesday 10 February 2015 14:30, UK
The United States will have to beat Italy away for the first time in 16 years in order to return to the top tier of the Fed Cup.
Italy were handed a home tie against the USA when the draw was made for the World Group play-offs which will take place on April 18-19.
The USA, led by Serena and Venus Williams, advanced to the play-off round when they beat Argentina 4-1 in their World Group II clash in Buenos Aires at the weekend.
Italy, meanwhile, squandered a 2-0 lead as they lost 3-2 to France in Genoa in the first round of the World Group.
The Italians have dominated recent ties against the USA, winning the 2009 and 2010 finals, and first-round ties in 2013 and last year.
The Americans won their record 17th and last Fed Cup title back in 2000.
In other play-off pairings, the Netherlands will host Australia, Poland will play at home against Switzerland, and Canada will welcome Romania.
