MADRID (Reuters) - Spain's world number two Rafael Nadal is expecting another tough clash with Italy's Andreas Seppi when the two meet on Friday in their Davis Cup world-group playoff in Santander.

Nadal needed four sets to beat Seppi last September when the countries met in similar circumstances in Italy.

"I still remember that game against Seppi," Nadal told a news conference on Thursday. "It took a lot out of me. I tired a bit and nearly lost the game. Luckily I came through to win and we eventually won the tie."

Nadal and Seppi meet after world number seven Tommy Robredo and Filippo Volandri, Italy's highest ranked player at 38, play the opening rubber.

In Saturday's doubles, Spain's Robredo and Fernando Verdasco will take on Daniele Bracciali and Giorgio Galimberti.

Italy have a 7-5 lead over Spain in Davis Cup but lost 3-2 last September.

On home soil and playing on their preferred surface, clay, Spain are favourites for the tie. Their lowest ranked player, Verdasco, is 29th in the world, higher than any of the Italian players.

With matches taking place outdoors both sides will be keeping a keen eye on the weather for the after-effects of hurricane Gordon which is expected to bring rain and winds to Spain's north coast.