Italy claims fourth Fed Cup title after beating Russia

Italy have cruised to a fourth Fed Cup title on Sunday after Sara Errani gave the hosts an unassailable 3-0 lead with a 6-1, 6-1 win over Russian Alisa Kleybanova.

According to Sport24, Roberta Vinci and world number seven Errani had given Italy, the champions in 2006, 2009 and 2010, a 2-0 lead on Saturday with victories over Alexandra Panova and Irina Khromachava respectively.

Italy's Fed Cup captain Corrado Barazzuti thanked his squad for their contribution to the victory but stressed that his players were the true stars, the report said.

Kleybanova represented the depleted Russian team's last chance to rescue their bid ahead of the final singles and concluding doubles rubbers later Sunday, the report added.

However, despite showing glimpses of promise, notably a powerful serve which at times Errani struggled to return, the 24-year-old Russian was outclassed by the more experienced Italian, the report further said.

Four-time champions Russia went into the final missing the injured Maria Sharapova while fellow top-30 players Maria Kirilenko, Elena Vesnina and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova opted instead to chase points and prize money at the WTA Tournament of Champions in Sofia, according to the report.