NANCY, France, Apr 23 (Reuters) Francesca Schiavone defeated world number one Amelie Mauresmo today to help Italy beat former champions France 4-1 in the Fed Cup first round.

The Italians will face Spain in July's semi-finals.

Schiavone put the visitors 2-1 up with a 4-6 7-6 6-4 defeat of Mauresmo in today's first rubber.

Mauresmo wasted a match point and saved another in a tight contest but bowed out by hitting a backhand wide.

There was some confusion after the final point, with Mauresmo and France captain Georges Goven briefly contesting the umpire's call before accepting defeat.

Flavia Pennetta, beaten in straight sets by Mauresmo yesterday, defeated Nathalie Dechy 6-4 6-2 today to give Italy a winning 3-1 lead.

Italians Mara Santangelo and Roberta Vinci beat Emilie Loit and Virginie Razzano 6-1 6-4 in the doubles to end the match 4-1.

Mauresmo had humbled Pennetta 6-1 6-1 to pull France level at 1-1 yesterday after Schiavone had beaten Dechy 6-7 6-3 6-3.

While Italy go on to meet Spain, who knocked out Austria 5-0, in the July 15-16 semi-finals, France will go into a world group playoff.

France, twice Fed Cup champions, lost to Russia in the last two finals and had won their six previous meetings against Italy.

Reuters OM DB0040