Italy leads France 2-0 at Fed Cup

ORLEANS, France, Feb. 7 (UPI) -- Led by Flavia Pennetta and Francesca Schiavone Saturday, Italy forged a 2-0 lead in its Fed Cup quarterfinal against France at Orleans, France.

The two nations are meeting in the Fed Cup for the fourth time in six years, with the Italians winning the last two matchups.

Pennetta rallied Saturday from a service break down in both of the last two sets to defeat former World No. 1 Amelie Mauresmo 2-6, 7-6 (9-7), 6-4.

Schiavone followed with a 6-1, 2-6, 8-6 win over Alize Cornet.

Sunday's doubles matchup pits the French duo of Severine Bremond and Nathalie Dechy against Italy's Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci.

If a singles match is needed to settle a winner, the schedule calls for Cornet-Pennetta and Mauresmo battles Schiavone if necessary.