Hewitt ahead of Davis Cup clash with Italy: "We'll be up for the challenge".

This Saturday, it's time for the second Davis Cup semi-final. World number 1 Jannik Sinner's Italy takes on Australia.

Both teams won the decisive doubles match in their quarter-final.

Holders of the title, Matteo Berrettini's team-mates are keen to retain their trophy and follow in the footsteps of the girls, winners of the Billie Jean King Cup a few days earlier.

Lleyton Hewitt, an illustrious former player and now captain of Australia, knows that this will be no picnic.

He is expecting stiff opposition from Italy, who upset Argentina two days ago: "They're obviously a quality team.

They're one of the toughest teams left in the competition. We'll be up for the challenge.

But it won't be any easier than last year, that's for sure," he told the Davis Cup website.

Australia will be looking to reach the Davis Cup final later today, a year after losing to the same Italians.

If they qualify, they will be seeking their 29th Davis Cup against the Netherlands, who are new to this stage of the competition.