The top-ranked Federer, who reached all four Grand Slam finals this year, believes his form can hold up after losing to Juan Martin del Potro at Flushing Meadows only three days ago.
"I've had to this before once after the Australian Open. I went to play Romania on clay and I was able to win all three points," Federer said, recalling his performance in Switzerland's 3-2 win in the first round of the 2004 World Group. "I'm hoping I can do it again."
In Thursday's draw, Federer was picked to play Simone Bolelli in Friday's singles. Stanislas Wawrinka will open the best-of-five series for Switzerland against Andreas Seppi.
In Saturday's doubles, Federer and Wawrinka will team against Fabio Fognini and Potito Starace. The reverse singles are set for Sunday on the red clay courts at the Valletta Cambiaso club.
The winner team will play in next year's World Group, potentially giving 15-time Grand Slam champion Federer a chance to finally win a Davis Cup title.
"It's definitely one of the goals. I've tried for many years. I've been on the team since '98. I started as a sparring partner and alternate, then I made my debut in '99 against Italy. In 2003, we had a good chance but Australia was very tough," Federer said, recalling Switzerland's loss in the 2003 semifinals.
"I always try, but there are a lot of good teams in the World Group now."
Federer missed the first round of this year's Davis Cup in March with a back injury, and the Swiss team lost to the United States 4-1.
Federer bounced back from the injury layoff and won the French Open for the first time in his career, while at the same time equaling Pete Sampras with 14 career major titles. A few weeks later at Wimbledon, the Swiss star broke Sampras' mark by beating Andy Roddick 16-14 in the fifth set.
Federer was on another roll at the U.S. Open, but his level appeared to drop in the fifth set against Del Potro.
"I think he played well. Unfortunately I didn't play my best at the end," Federer said. "Of course everyone is tired at the end of a Grand Slam, but I don't think that's why I lost."
With the U.S. Open final having been played Monday, Federer didn't have much time to get to Italy, arriving Wednesday.
"As a tennis player you get used to traveling and jet lag, surface changes and ball changes. It's part of our everyday life," he said. "I've done it for many years, but this is definitely tough because New York finished late and we are on clay.
"It would be nice to have a week of holiday, but it's not possible right now."
Italy probably wishes Federer would have gone on vacation, with captain Corrado Barazzutti virtually conceding Bolelli's match.
Federer won 6-2, 6-3 in his only meeting against Bolelli at his home tournament in Basel last year.
"Seppi has to keep us alive against Wawrinka," Barazzutti said.
Bolelli is returning to the Italian team after a 10-month suspension for skipping the match against Latvia last year. The player said he told Barazzutti well in advance that he preferred to work on his fast-court game in Asia.
"The most important thing about this tie - beyond the result - is that we're together again as a team," Barazzutti said.
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