Pennetta to spearhead Italy’s Fed Cup final challenge

ROME, Oct 28 (Reuters) - World number 11 Flavia Pennetta has recovered from a knee problem and will play for Italy in next month’s Fed Cup final against United States.

Pennetta will spearhead Italy’s bid for their second title alongside Francesca Schiavone, the competition’s website (www.fedcup.com) said on Wednesday.

Schiavone won the second WTA tournament of her career in Moscow on Sunday.

The two other members of Italy’s full-strength team are Roberta Vinci, who has never lost a Fed Cup doubles match in 13 rubbers, and Sara Errani.

Pennetta’s participation had been in doubt after she retired hurt from a match at last week’s Kremlin Cup in Moscow.

The final takes place on outdoor clay courts in the southern Italian city of Reggio Calabria on Nov. 7-8.

(Reporting by Paul Virgo, editing by Tony Jimenez. To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)