Read the game by game coverage of the crucial fourth rubber which saw Flavia Pennetta defeat CoCo Vandeweghe to retain the Fed Cup trophy.

ITALY wins 3-1

Vandeweghe 1-6 2-6 *Pennetta

A return of serve goes long for Vandeweghe and Pennetta celebrates. The Italians are on their feet jumping around, a second consecutive title for them. Tears of joy from the visitors and tears of sadness from Vandeweghe, a tough debut for her this weekend. The Italians are invading the court, flags are waving while the American crowd starts to thin out.

*Vandeweghe 1-6 2-5 Pennetta

Pennetta puts Italy one game away from retaining the Fed Cup title as she anticipates her opponents shots and capitalises on two double faults.

Vandeweghe 1-6 2-4 *Pennetta

Vandeweghe puts an easy volley wide before netting another chance. Pennetta absorbs the Americans injection of pace and finishes off the game with an ace. The Italian bench can sense victory.

*Vandeweghe 1-6 2-3 Pennetta

Vandeweghe looks more comfortable on her serve, producing several clean winners to lead 40-0, Pennetta pegs it back to 40-30 but another winner down the line ends her chances of another break. A second consecutive service hold for the 6’1” American.

Vandeweghe 1-6 1-3 *Pennetta

Great serving from Pennetta sees her extend her lead.

*Vandeweghe 1-6 1-2 Pennetta

Vandeweghe gives the American crowd something to shout about as she gets a score on the board for the first time since the opening game. A couple of beautifully constructed points break Pennetta’s momentum.

Vandeweghe 1-6 0-2 *Pennetta

Pennetta wastes little time, holding to love to win her eight game on the trot.

*Vandeweghe 1-6 0-1 Pennetta

A must-win service game for Vandeweghe goes to the Italian world No. 23. Vandeweghe is furious with herself after producing her fourth double fault to relinquish her serve. The Italians are on their feet and the cheerstix are banging.

Vandeweghe 1-6 *Pennetta

Vandeweghe has two break points to save the first set but fails to convert either of them. Pennetta showing immense composure to finish off her points and takes the first set in 43 minutes.

*Vandeweghe 1-5 Pennetta

The crowd is noticeably subdued and Vandeweghe manages just two points on her serve. She is evidently frustrated and Pennetta goes up a double break.

Vandeweghe 1-4 *Pennetta

The match is moving quickly now following that epic second game. Pennetta is doing little wrong and claims her fourth straight game to take a 4-1 lead. Vandeweghe needs to break the Italian’s momentum.

*Vandeweghe 1-3 Pennetta

Vandeweghe finds herself down 15-30 after she sends a crosscourt forehand wide. Vandeweghe races to the net to level proceedings but Pennetta is soon ahead again and claims the break at the first opportunity.

Vandeweghe 1-2 *Pennetta

A solid service game from Pennetta, cruising to a 2-1 lead.

*Vandeweghe 1-1 Pennetta

Vandeweghe looks like a different player from yesterday, rocketing to 40-0, helped by an ace on a second serve.  Consecutive double faults allow the Italian back into the game and seven deuces later Pennetta breaks back.

Vandeweghe 1-0 *Pennetta

Double fault from Pennetta gives USA an early break. The Italian looking extremely nervous and Vandeweghe capitalising.