Pennetta saved a match point to beat former No. 1 Amelie Mauresmo 2-6, 7-6 (7), 6-4 before Schiavone defeated Alize Cornet 6-1, 2-6, 8-6.
In the second-set tiebreaker, Pennetta hit a passing shot wide to give Mauresmo a match point. The Italian contested the decision and received a warning for verbal abuse. She risked losing the match on a penalty point when she directed a gesture at the chair umpire.
Mauresmo lost focus after the call, double-faulting and making an unforced error to give Pennetta another set point that the Italian converted.
The 12th-ranked Pennetta rallied from 4-1 down in the third set and broke Mauresmo at 4-4 to serve out for the match.
The reverse singles and the doubles are scheduled for Sunday. The winner of the best-of-five series will play Russia or China in the semifinals on April 25-26.
Italy beats France to reach Fed Cup semifinals
Barcelona Can Win The Copa Del Rey - Henry
Italy beats France to reach Fed Cup semifinals
