Matteo Berrettini left out of Italy’s Davis Cup squad as rumors of Lorenzo Musetti fallout swirl

Monday, 26 October 2026 at 18:30

Matteo Berrettini has been left out of Italy’s squad for the Davis Cup Finals, an announcement that has drawn added attention amid growing online rumors of a possible personal rift between the former Wimbledon finalist and Lorenzo Musetti.

The speculation has circulated in recent days, with an interview in which Berrettini was asked about Musetti’s latest title adding to the questions surrounding their relationship.

Italy captain Filippo Volandri has selected Musetti, Flavio Cobolli and Luciano Darderi for singles, with Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori completing the initial five-man squad as the country prepares to defend its Davis Cup crown in Bologna. Berrettini’s absence is notable given his experience and previous contributions to Italian tennis, although no official explanation has connected the decision to the rumors.

The online speculation concerns an alleged breakdown in the players’ relationship, with some claims involving Berrettini’s former partner. None of those allegations has been confirmed by the players, and there is no established evidence that a personal dispute exists.

Vivi le emozioni della #DavisCup by Generali Final 8 e goditi Bologna a 360° con i pacchetti e i servizi pensati per te da @BolognaWelcome 👉https://t.co/CHZUs5BxJD https://t.co/Bj2EwEtvLJ
— FITP (@federtennis) October 26, 2026

Nevertheless, the timing of the squad announcement and Berrettini’s reaction during a recent interview have led some observers to question whether there could be tension between the two Italians.

The video has attracted attention even among tennis commentators, some of whom have questioned Berrettini’s visibly uncomfortable reaction when Musetti was mentioned. His response, however, does not establish the existence or cause of any alleged disagreement, and there is no confirmed link between the speculation and Volandri’s selection.

Berrettini’s reaction to Musetti question fuels speculation

The discussion intensified after Berrettini’s first-round victory in Vienna, where he was asked about Musetti winning the title in Lyon. Before answering, Berrettini appeared to check whether the interview was being broadcast live. Once told that it was, he offered a brief response about his compatriot’s achievement.

“His title in Lyon? I guess he deserves it," the former Wimbledon finalist said. "I know he worked very hard to come back, and I guess he deserves it.”

Matteo Berrettini risponde così sul titolo di Lorenzo Musetti a Lione 🔥 https://t.co/ob2Zl6jaB4
— Guido Olivares🇮🇹 (@Guidolino8) October 26, 2026

His response acknowledged Musetti’s hard work to return to form, but Berrettini’s apparent discomfort and brief comments quickly became a talking point online.

The speculation appears to stem from a series of social media developments involving the players and their respective relationships. Berrettini reportedly split from his girlfriend in June, around the same time Musetti and his wife briefly unfollowed each other on Instagram before following each other again a few hours later.

More recently, Berrettini and Musetti reportedly unfollowed each other, prompting online theories linking the events and suggesting a possible personal rift between the Italians. Some speculation has even centered on Berrettini’s former girlfriend, although no evidence has emerged to substantiate these claims. Neither player has publicly confirmed a rift or indicated that personal matters are behind the speculation.

The timing has added to the intrigue, as the interview took place before Italy’s Davis Cup squad was announced. However, there is no established link between the online rumors and Berrettini’s omission from the team.

I guess we can’t ignore Musetti/Berrettini/ex girlfriends rumors anymore… https://t.co/00wUflWPVI
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) October 26, 2026

Volandri’s selection leaves questions unanswered

Volandri’s initial selection includes Musetti alongside Cobolli and Darderi in singles, while Bolelli and Vavassori will cover doubles. Italy is preparing to defend its title in Bologna, where it is scheduled to face South Korea in the quarter-finals.

Berrettini’s omission is significant, but selection decisions can involve several sporting considerations. The captain has referred to the current rankings when discussing his choices, and the initial squad can still be amended before the competition begins. No official statement has indicated that the rumors surrounding Berrettini and Musetti played any role in the decision.

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For now, two separate facts remain: Berrettini has not been included in Italy’s initial Davis Cup squad, and an interview about Musetti has fueled online speculation about their relationship. The allegations involving a possible personal rupture remain unconfirmed, and the video cannot establish that such a dispute exists.

Whether there is any substance behind the rumors remains unclear. Until either player addresses the situation or reliable evidence emerges, it would be premature to present the speculation as fact or to suggest that it explains Berrettini’s absence from Italy’s title defence.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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