GENOA, Italy(AP) With Roger Federer sitting out, Switzerland lost a doubles match to Italy in a Davis Cup playoff but still lead the series 2-1.
Simone Bolelli and Potito Starace defeated Marco Chiudinelli and Stanislas Wawrinka 6-2, 6-4, 7-6 (3) Saturday.
In Thursday's draw, Federer was selected to team with Wawrinka, reviving the team that won the Olympic doubles title last year. But Switzerland captain Severin Luthi decided to rest Federer in favor of the 117th-ranked Chiudinelli.
In Friday's opening singles, Federer defeated Bolelli 6-3, 6-4, 6-1 and Wawrinka beat Andreas Seppi 6-4, 6-1, 6-2.
For sure to have Roger on the team is always an advantage, but we knew we had a chance with this team, the Italians just played better today,'' Luthi said.(Federer) has no problem. You can expect him to play for sure tomorrow.''
Federer can seal the team victory with a win over Seppi in the first of Sunday's reverse singles matches.
The winner of the best-of-five series will return to the World Group next year.