Tennis-Federer's Switzerland to face Italy in Davis Cup playoffs

LONDON May 12 (Reuters) - Roger Federer will get a chance to ensure Switzerland retain their place in the Davis Cup world group when his team take on Italy in the playoffs in September.

The world number two had been expected to spearhead his nation's challenge in the first round against the U.S. in March but withdrew due to injury and the Swiss were hammered 4-1.

The encounter, which will be staged in Italy, will be one of eight playoff ties taking place from Sept. 18-20.

India, who qualified for the playoffs after Australia refused to travel to Chennai for security reasons and forfeited their zonal contest, will travel to South Africa.

Seven-times champions Sweden, who were beaten by Israel in the first round at home after opting to stage the contest behind closed doors due to security concerns, were drawn on Tuesday to face Romania.

In other ties, the Netherlands will host France, Novak Djokovic's Serbia will face Uzbekistan, Brazil will take on Ecuador, Belgium will be up against Ukraine and Austria will travel to Chile.

(Reporting by Pritha Sarkar, editing by Justin Palmer; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)