Two-time champion Russia drove a spike into German chances at the ARAG World Team Cup on Friday, but need a loss from Spain to have a chance at the Saturday trophy showdown, dpa reported.
Dmitry Tursunov did the damage for Russia as he beat German Nicolas Kiefer 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 to clinch their Blue group tie 2-0 after Igor Andreev beat Philipp Kohlschreiber on Thursday.
Italy have a chance to derail four-time winner Spain as their tie at the Rochusclub went down to the doubles.
Simone Bolelli pulled the underdog Italians level 1-1 with his victory over Feliciano Lopez 6-4, 6-3. The day before, Spanish world number five David Ferrer had beaten Potito Starace in three sets.
Red group winner Sweden is sitting comfortably in the Saturday final awaiting an opponent as the Blue contenders battle it out.