Ferrero, Nadal earn point

"There is always pressure when you have to win the last game but I was confident and felt in control from the start. It was vital for us to get the win in this play-off and thankfully we did it," said Ferrero.

Champions last year, Spain were forced into the play-offs after their first round defeat to Slovakia -- who on Sunday reached the 2005 final -- and Jordi Arrese's team were facing the prospect of relegation after two days of spirited play from the Italians lapped up by capacity crowds at the new stadium at the foot of Mount Vesuvius.

Nadal's victory changed the mood, however, with the 19-year-old bringing his team level and setting up Ferrero for what was, in the end, a straightforward win.

Nadal, who along with Feliciano Lopez lost in the doubles to leave the Spaniards trailing in the tie overnight, met with little resistance from Seppi in the first two sets on the clay court at the foot of Mount Vesuvius.

But Seppi, who provided a surprise on Friday when he beat Ferrero, battled hard in the third set, finding the inspiration for a 7-5 victory to keep the rubber alive.

The fourth set was a struggle for a tiring Nadal in the southern Italian heat but he ground out a 6-4 victory to take the tie on to level terms.

"I've had a tough week or so with the China Open, the flight back from China and then a singles on Friday and a doubles game on Saturday that lasted for four and a half hours," said Nadal.

"He started to play more aggressively and I found it difficult to move around the court. But I played with my heart right until the end. It was my faith in victory when physically it became tough that was the key," added the Spaniard.

Ferrero had no trouble in dealing with Bracciali and despite suffering a cut to his knee which left him bleeding throughout the third set he cruised to a win which saved Spain from becoming only the third team in the World Group's 24-year history to be relegated the year after winning the title.

France went down in 1998 and Sweden, winners in 1999, were relegated in 2000.

"I had confidence in Juan Carlos to get the result," said Arrese. "He was unlucky in his first match and Seppi deserves a lot of credit for that result but Juan Carlos showed his quality and how ideal he is for this competition with that win. I had no doubts about him at all," added the Spain captain.

Italy skipper Corrado Barazzutti was full of praise for how Seppi had taken on Nadal and said he believed his team was now ready for a return to the top flight.

"In the end we were beaten by the best team in the world, last year's champions, so I don't think that is a result to be ashamed of. It was a beautiful match in fact with some great matches throughout. We are a step away from the top flight now and are starting to become an important team," he said.

"With these young players we have, who are developing well, I think we will be capable of getting some satisfying results in the future," added Barazzutti.