Italy save match point to stay alive against Belgium

Brussels - Italy demonstrated the fighting spirit which saw them knock out defending champions Argentina in the first round to stay alive in their Davis Cup quarter-final against Belgium on Saturday with a thrilling doubles win.

Andreas Seppi and Simone Bolelli saved a match point to see off Ruben Bemelmans and Joris De Loore 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (8/6) to go into Sunday's last day trailing 2-1.

Belgium, the runners-up in 2015, took a 2-0 lead on Friday when Steve Darcis and David Goffin claimed the opening singles rubbers.

"It's tough but these kind of intense matches are the charm of the Davis Cup," said Belgium captain Johan Van Hercke.

In Sunday's reverse singles, Goffin will face Paolo Lorenzi while Darcis takes on Seppi.

The winner of the tie will face either Australia or the United States in September's semi-finals.

Australia lead their quarter-final 2-1 in Brisbane.