MALAGA, Spain — Defending champions Italy moved into the Davis Cup final after a 2-0 win over Australia on Saturday as Jannik Sinner defeated Alex de Minaur in straight sets to follow up Matteo Berrettini’s victory over Thanasi Kokkinakis.

A repeat of last year’s final ended with the same result and with world number one Sinner again seeing off De Minaur, sending Italy into Sunday’s final where they will meet the Netherlands who have reached the decider for the first time.

The ATP Finals champion believes he has improved a lot since last year when he ousted De Minaur.

“I believe I am a very solid player from the baseline and capable of doing very different things, not just hitting hard. I have achieved many things this year, so I take nothing for granted,” he added. — Reuters