Nadal into last four

Rafael Nadal cruised past fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco in straight sets to join Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia.

The world number one, gearing up for a run at another French Open title, beat Verdasco 6-3 6-3.

Nadal will meet the winner of the match between Juan Monaco of Argentina and Chile's Fernando Gonzalez in the next round.

The crowd at Rome's Stadio Pietrangeli rallied behind Verdasco, who was looking for his first victory over Nadal after seven failed attempts.

But it was not to be as Nadal put pressure on his opponent from the off.

Verdasco made 41 unforced errors and five double faults in defeat.

World number two Federer defeated Misha Zverev 7-6 (7/3) 6-2 earlier today to set up a semi-final with defending champion Djokovic.

Third-seed Djokovic beat Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina 6-3 6-4. Defending Rome champion Djokovic has never beaten Federer on clay but is ready for the challenge.

"I look forward to it," he said. "It's going to be great for the people and great for the tournament to see that kind of semi-final.

"It's a challenge for both of us. I think we played two times on clay only, and he won both of times in Monte Carlo. I think I have a good chance."