Roger Federer beats Stanislas Wawrinka to reach Italian Open final

Roger Federer is through to his fourth Italian Open final following a 6-4 6-2 win over Slanislas Wawrinka.

Wawrinka flew out of the blocks in the first set and broke Federer at the first opportunity thanks to a flurry of brutal backhands.

However, Federer kept his composure and broke back, before some unforced errors gifted him a second break a few games later.

The former world number one held his serve with ease to take the opening set 6-4, and made a fast start to the second set with an early break.

As the match went on, Wawrinka became more erratic and began to hit basic shots into the net. Federer took full advantage and broke him for a second time.

The 17-time Grand Slam champion clinched victory at the first opportunity and will play Novak Djokovic in tomorrow's final.