SHENZHEN, China, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- Elisabetta Cocciaretto and Jasmine Paolini delivered straight-set victories as Italy upset the United States 2-0 to defend its Billie Jean King Cup title here on Sunday.

World No. 8 Paolini sealed the win with a 6-4, 6-2 triumph over seventh-ranked Jessica Pegula after Cocciaretto, ranked 91st, stunned world No. 18 Emma Navarro 6-4, 6-4 in the opening match.

"I still cannot realize that. It's amazing to show how we fight on court. We try to do our best. I think to play for the national team, it's something that I was watching, I was dreaming to do," Paolini said. "Hopefully many, many girls are going to start to play tennis. I think tennis in Italy is growing a lot. Hopefully we are going to inspire some little girls."

Paolini broke Pegula in a lengthy ninth game to take the first set, then carried her momentum into the second to secure victory.

Earlier, Cocciaretto set the tone for Italy by producing one of her best performances, needing just one hour and 29 minutes to defeat Navarro.

"It was an unbelievable match for me," Cocciaretto said. "I know that I had to play my best tennis. I'm really happy about the performance and the point that I gave to Italy." Enditem