MALAGA, Spain -- Jannik Sinner capped off a great week by leading Italy to its first Davis Cup title in nearly five decades.

Matteo Arnoldi gave Italy the first point by defeating Alexei Popyrin 7-5, 2-6, 6-4.

Italy has won its first Davis Cup title since 1976, with a 2-0 victory over Australia on Sunday.

The Italians had lost the past three finals they had played against Australia, which was last year's runner-up to Canada.

Sinner helped Italy defeat Novak Djokovic's Serbia in the semi-finals on Saturday.

Australia eliminated Finland in the last four, but the 28-time champions have not managed to win the title since 2003.

More Australia heartbreak as Italy clean sweep to win title

Australia has suffered heartbreak for the second consecutive Davis Cup final after being thrashed by Italy in Malaga on Sunday (Monday AEDT).

Australia failed to win a match as Italian superstar Jannik Sinner clinically closed out the tie 2-0.