Haarhuis on Sinner and Italy: "We're going to have to put poison in their food".

The Netherlands can take heart. Thanks to excellent performances from Botic van de Zandschulp and Tallon Griekspoor, the Dutch nation managed to tame Germany.

They are now in the Davis Cup final for the first time in their history. On Sunday, the Netherlands will be aiming for a first-ever title against either Italy or Australia.

Clearly, captain Paul Haarhuis has a preference and is eagerly awaiting the defending champions for a very specific reason.

"We're playing so well, the guys are building up confidence with all these wins. But the other semi-finalists are tough teams to play against.

Italy won this competition last year with Sinner. I think we're going to have to put some poison in their food.

We'll have to show some big wallets on Sunday," he said on court after his country's qualification.

Italy, meanwhile, have yet to qualify for the final. Undoubtedly led by the world number 1, they will attempt to overcome Australia, one of the great names of Davis Cup, from 1pm onwards.