Paolini and Sara Errani defeated Swiatek and Katarzyna Kawa 7-5, 7-5 in the deciding doubles to put Italy through to the final for the second year in a row.

Earlier Friday in Malaga, Magda Linette posted her nation's first win over Sara Sorribes Tormo.

After playing in the singles final in Prague, the two Olympic teammates were nearly stranded there as a result of the closure of French airspace as a security measure.