Andrey Rublev and Daniil Medvedev led Russia to victory against Germany at Melbourne Park, despite losing the opening set in their respective singles matches.

Rublev came from a set down to beat Jan-Lennard Struff 3-6, 6-1, 6-2.

A tightly contested second singles match between Alexander Zverev and Medvedev saw the Russian star come from behind to win 3-6, 6-3, 7-5.

Zverev had received treatment for a back problem during the second set.

The issue could cause concern for the German prior to the Australian Open, which begins on Monday (February 8).

Medvedev’s victory sealed Russia’s place in the final, although Germany ended the tie with victory in the doubles rubber.

Struff and Kevin Krawietz earned a 6-3, 7-6 win over Russia’s Evgeny Donskoy and Aslan Karatsev.

Fabio Fognini gave Italy the perfect start to their semi-final after he earned a three set 6-2, 1-6, 6-4 win over Pablo Carreño Busta.

Italy’s place in the final was sealed when Matteo Berrettini triumphed 6-3, 7-5 against Roberto Bautista Agut.

An Italian clean sweep was completed when Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori were awarded a walkover in the doubles rubber against Carreño Busta and Marcel Granollers.

The final is scheduled to take place tomorrow.

The tournament is being prior to the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam event of the year.