Britain failed to qualify for the last-eight stage of the Davis Cup Finals after losing to Canada 1-2 in their last group-stage tie.

The Netherlands advanced despite a narrow defeat by defending champions Italy.

Canada got the job done in double quick time as Denis Shapovalov dismissed Dan Evans 6-0, 7-5 before celebrating by eating ice cream on court.

“It definitely wasn’t easy to play against so many Britons,” said Shapovalov, who kept his cool in front of a partisan crowd of around 15,000 fans.

“I’ve experienced it in the past as well... I just tried to stay focused, tried to stay in my bubble and tried to stay ahead as much as I could because I could feel Dan getting pumped up and the crowd getting pumped up. I’m very happy I was able to get it done in straight sets.”

Felix Auger-Aliassime gave the 2022 winners an unassailable 2-0 lead by outlasting British No.1 Jack Draper 7-6 (10-8), 7-5 in a high-quality clash.

Britain then ensured the crowd had something to cheer about as Henry Patten and Neal Skupski cruised past Gabriel Diallo and Alexis Galarneau 7-5, 6-4.

The Final 8 knockout stage will be held in Malaga from November 19-24. Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Australia, the US, Germany, Canada and Argentina have qualified.

In Bologna, Italy surged to a 2-0 lead against the Netherlands to top Group A after Matteo Berrettini beat Botic van de Zandschulp 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 and Flavio Cobolli downed Tallon Griekspoor 7-6 (7-4), 4-6, 6-3. The Dutch did not lose hope and advanced as runners-up when Wesley Koolhof and Van de Zandschulp defeated Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori 7-6 (8-6), 7-5 in the doubles match.

Spain rested Carlos Alcaraz for their tie with Australia but won 2-1 to top Group B in Valencia as Marcel Granollers and Pedro Martinez beat Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell 5-7, 6-4, 6-4.