Brazil and Italy – the two most successful nations in the event’s history – will go head-to-head in a bid to be crowned ITF Beach Tennis World Cup champions after navigating their semi-finals in style.

It will be the seventh time that the two teams, both four-time winners, contest an ITF Beach Tennis World Cup final with much at stake on the sands of Rio de Janeiro’s famous Copacabana Beach.

Hosts and defending champions Brazil are bidding to win their fourth successive World Cup title, while Italy have designs on their first since 2017 – and there is most definitely history between the nations. Brazil and Italy have defeated each other on three occasions in finals.

This time around, Italy secured their place in the final following a 2-0 victory over Venezuela, who have performed with pride and distinction all week, and indeed made history by reaching the last four.

The semi-finals proved a step too far, however, as world No. 1s Giulia Gasparri and Ninny Valentini once again showcased their undoubted quality to clinically dispatch Paty Diaz and Andrea Colavita 6-2 6-2 in the women’s doubles.

In the men’s doubles, Michele Cappelletti and Mattia Spoto saved two match points in a thrilling contest with Ramon Guedez and Carlos Vigon before eventually prevailing 5-7 7-5 10-7 in a near two-hour battle.

"Today was a matter of heart,” Cappelletti told itftennis.com. “We lost the first set, but it was a huge fight. Our rivals played amazing beach tennis, but we've shown too much heart and mental strength.

“I am so proud of our team, reaching the final again. Brazil have won the last three editions, so they are the favourites. They are very experienced and are always so prepared, but we will try.”

Standing in the way of Italy and a first World Cup title in five years are the mighty Brazil who, as Cappelletti suggests, will be a tough nut to crack on their own turf – or anywhere for that matter.

Brazil secured their own place in the final with a clinical 2-0 victory over Spain, with Rafaella Miiller and Marcela Vita clinically defeating Eva Palos and Sabrina Lopez 6-2 6-2 in the women’s doubles.

The knockout blow was then administered by Allan Oliveira and Andre Baran, who combined to great effect and outmanoeuvred Antomi Ramos and Saulo Tejada 6-0 6-1 in the men’s doubles.

“We knew it would be hard and it was a very tense match, with the scorline not reflecting the flow of the match,” Miiller told itftennis.com. 

“They are aggressive and powerful, but we have practiced too many defensive skills. Marcela and I did not allow any balls to pass and we’ve forced their errors.”

It promises to be an intriguing final. Let battle commence!