Russia`s and Italy`s tennis sides captains held press-conferences ahead of the Fed Cup final draw. The reigning champions Italy`s captain Corrado Barazzutti said that Russia`s squad is more consistent in comparison with that of Belgium (Italy beat Belgium to take Fed Cup in 2006). Shamil Tarpischev, coaching the Russian side, stated that the team`s chances to beat Italy are better than those they had ahead of the USA semis clash. However, he pointed out that the Italian side should not be underestimated. "Finals can`t be easy," said Shamil Tarpischev.