Kolkata: Mahesh Bhupathi on Wednesday said there is no space for excuses in the Davis Cup Qualifier against Italy starting here Friday, especially after India got whatever they had desired. Bhupathi said home comfort and the X-factor of Calcutta South Club's grass courts hold India in good stead in the tie.

Bhupathi told reporters "We definitely feel that this is our best chance to beat Italy on grass. Hard or clay is their strengths.”

Three-time Davis Cup runners-up,India were drawn to play against Italy at home in the Qualifiers in their bid for a coveted place in November's 18-team Finals in Madrid.

Bhupathi said."We will know on Saturday if the advantage played out for us or not. So we've got the grass now I don't think we have any room for excuses anymore.

Bhupathi also "When you're trying to beat players who are better than you it's always easier to do it in two sets rather than three out of five. So, when it comes to playing big teams, who are constantly in the world group, I think this change in format is great for the Indian team.

Calling underdog to team, Bhuputi said "That's how sport is. When a team is playing another team in any sport, one team is an underdog while the other is favourite. We are going in as underdogs, that's the bottom line."