Italy vs Canada Preview & Prediction | 2023 Davis Cup Finals | Group Stage
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THE FACTS
When is Italy vs Canada on and what time does it start? Italy vs Canada will take place on Wednesday 13th September, 2023 – not before 12:00 (UK)
Where is Italy vs Canada taking place? Italy vs Canada will take place at Unipol Arena in Bologna, Italy
What surface is Italy vs Canada being played on? Italy vs Canada will take place on an indoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Italy vs Canada? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Italy vs Canada
Where can I watch Italy vs Canada? All matches can be watched on Tennis Channel International’s Pay TV, while all Great Britain matches will be televised and streamed on BBC platforms
THE PREDICTION
Both Italy and Canada should be serious contenders for the Davis Cup title this year at full strength but both nations come into an intriguing group stage week in poor health. Defending champions Canada are missing Felix Auger-Aliassime, although the 22-year-old has endured some hugely concerning poor form all season long, to see world number 31 Denis Shapovalov lead the line behind his own poor 13-13 record for 2023. Shapovalov will be backed up by one of 21-year-old up-and-comer Gabriel Diallo or 33-year-old veteran Vasek Pospisil as second option, with Pospisil and Shapovalov likely to pair up for the doubles if required to make the difference.
World number 18 Lorenzo Musetti has been competent but unremarkable in recent months but the 21-year-old should thrive this week as Italy’s number one hope at home in Bologna. Musetti is at his best on a clay court but he is well capable of providing the right amount of intensity to draw strength from a partisan atmosphere this week, with second option Lorenzo Sonego a strong second option capable of beating most players outside of the top 10 when he finds his best tennis. 22-year-old Matteo Arnaldi set a new career-high ATP world ranking of 47th this week after a huge debut run to the round of 16 at the US Open and the youngster could well be subbed in as second option this week depending on the fitness of Musetti and Sonego. Wins over Arthur Fils and world number 16 Cam Norrie in New York set Arnaldi out as more than just a young new threat on clay but Sonego is very handy indoors.
At his best, Denis Shapovalov is by far the best tennis player in this tie but the 24-year-old has struggled to find anything like a top gear all season long. Playing for his nation, and not himself, could well be the welcome break he needs to make a difference here and the likelihood that Italy’s second option wins the first match of the tie should further motivate him to level things 1-1 against Musetti. Indoor hardcourt conditions heavily favour the Canadian in that match-up but home advantage and recent form says Musetti is well capable of winning what would almost certainly be a peacock contest. Italy have the best doubles specialist of the two teams in Simone Bolelli but it would take a strong duo to break Shapovalov’s serve measured alongside Vasek Pospisil’s always-assured performances for his nation. Back Italy to edge this tie on home advantage but this is certainly the toughest call of the group.
