Roger Federer defeated Simone Bolleli 7-6 (7/5), 6-4, 6-4 to give Switzerland a 1-0 lead over Italy in the Davis Cup semi-finals in Geneva on Friday.
Stan Wawrinka will take on Fabio Fognini in the second singles rubber later Friday.
France were 2-0 up over the Czech Republic at the end of the first day in the other semi-final in Paris against the defending champions the Czech Republic.