By Mark Meadows

REGGIO CALABRIA, Italy (Reuters) - Flavia Pennetta overpowered Alexa Glatch 6-3 6-1 to give hosts Italy a 1-0 lead over United States in the Fed Cup final on Saturday.

The second singles rubber between Melanie Oudin and Francesca Schiavone was then suspended because of heavy rain with the American leading 4-2 in the first set.

The pair had earlier been held up for a short weather break at 1-1 before Oudin moved ahead.

Rain is also forecast on Sunday when the reverse singles and doubles match are scheduled.

Organizers have the option of extending play until Monday if the tie is not completed, with media already criticizing the decision to play on an outdoor clay court in November.

Under overcast skies in the opening match, world number 11 Pennetta quickly imposed herself and broke Glatch to go 2-1 up thanks in part to a superb drop shot.

She then sealed the first set when Glatch was broken again after going long.

Pennetta lost focus slightly at the start of the second set, being broken in the first game, but stormed straight back with a graceful winner to level at 1-1 and easily wrapped up the match.

"It was very emotional with the national anthem (before play started). I almost wanted to cry," the Italian told a news conference.

"I managed to play out the game well without being too spectacular but staying calm."

Italy are chasing their second Fed Cup title.

Serena and Venus Williams decided not to compete for the U.S. in the final, leaving inexperienced Glatch exposed.

"At the beginning I thought I had a couple of chances but she played extremely well," the tall 20-year-old said.

"There were a few things which let me down."

(Additional reporting by Marie-Louise Gumuchian, editing by Tony Jimenez)