Wimbledon 2016: Garbine Muguruza narrowly edges Camila Giorgi in three-set epic on Centre Court

SPAIN saw off a dogged Italy - only this match was at Wimbledon as Garbine Muguruza overcame plucky Camila Giorgi.

While the nations were slugging it out in the Euro 2016 second round, Spaniard Muguruza and Italian Giorgi were going toe to toe in a three-set epic out on Centre.

Much has been expected of world No2 Muguruza, who reached the SW19 final last year and triumphed at the French Open in June.

But the 22-year-old - who was born in Venezuela - had a real battle to see off spirited Giorgi 6-2 5-7 6-4.

World No67 Giorgi had never been past the third round here but edged a head-to-head record against Muguruza 2-1 - so no wonder she found the self-belief to level things up in the second.

But the Italian resistance could only hold on for so long with Muguruza totting up the break points - she took four of 19 in the end - and she served out to love after two hours and 33 minutes to her country’s relief.