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Matteo Berrettini set Italy on its way with an emphatic 6-4 6-2 victory over Botic van de Zandschulp before world Number-one Jannik Sinner’s 7-6(2) 6-2 win against Tallon Griekspoor.

It means Italy it the first country to defend the Davis Cup title since Czechia in 2013 and just the fifth nation in history to win both the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup in the same year.

"Every year is different feelings", Sinner said. "Obviously coming back as defending champions and winning again, it's one of the best feelings I think for all of us. Of course having Matteo here as a player and as a teammate, it's a bit different. So I'm very happy and glad that we managed this.

"But the whole team gave 100percent. There is a lot of work behind the scenes. Very tough decisions for Filippo, also. So we are very happy to lift this trophy and of course to go into the preseason with a bunch of confidence boosts. We are all very happy."

For Netherlands, this was its first Davis Cup final in their 104th year in the competition. Spurred on by a wall of Orange support inside Palacio Deportes Martin Carpena, its presence and progression at these Finals have been a joy, but overcoming this super Italian team proved to be a step too far.

Berrettini was not picked in singles for Italy’s quarter-final against Argentina on Thursday. But, after partnering Sinner to win the decisive doubles in that tie, the Italian has not looked back. He came through a three set battle against Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis to help set Italy on its way in the semi-final, and captain Filippo Volandri kept faith in him to lead out his side in the final.

“It doesn’t matter who’s playing or who’s not playing, the whole country is playing”, Berrettini said.

There was little to choose between Berrettini and Van de Zandschulp in the first eight games with neither player creating any break points. That all changed at 4-4 when Berrettini capitalised on a tight game from Van de Zandschulp to secure the break, and he sealed the set moments later.

In the second set, Van de Zandschulp looked to be cruising up 40-0 on serve at 1-1. But Berrettini suddenly caught fire to bring the game back to deuce. A phenomenal set of forehands, pulling van de Zandschulp wide and then firing up the line for a winner, set up a break point.

The Dutchman saved it with an ace but Berrettini simply responded by cranking up the power even more. Another rocket forehand set up another break point and this time Van de Zandschulp double faulted.

At the changeover, the Dutchman cut a dejected figure. By contrast, Berrettini was overflowing with confidence and he pushed for a double break at 6-4 4-2. It was a game full of vintage Berrettini moments - including a colossal forehand on the run - as well as some rare gems, like a backhand winner up the line. At his best the Italian is a juggernaut of a player and there was nothing Van de Zandschulp could do to slow him down.

Berrettini secured the double break with a deft drop volley and some more enormous serving clinched the match. It was his eighth straight victory in singles at the Davis Cup.