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Rome (ANTARA News / Reuters) - Italy one step closer to a place in the Fed Cup final after recording a victory on two singles from Flavia Pennetta and Francesca Schiavone, who made them 2-0 over the Czech Republic, Saturday.

Pennetta struggled in the second set to win 6-4 7-5 victory over Lucie Hradecka singles in the first game, at the Foro Italico clay, which is also where the tournament will be next week's Rome Masters.

World number two Italy Schiavone is not too much wiped sweat when defeating Lucie Safarova in the second game, winning 6-0 6-2.

Italy can take their place in the finals to be held next November against the United States or Russia, if they can get a single victory on the cross and double matches on Sunday.