David Ferrer survives David Goffin test in Rome

David Ferrer has recorded a three-set triumph over David Goffin to reach the Italian Open semi-finals.

The seventh seed withstood a second-set fightback from the Belgian before wrapping up a 6-2 4-6 6-3 win.

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Goffin had benefited from a rest on Thursday due to the withdrawal of Andy Murray, but it was Ferrer who started the stronger of the two players as he broke twice to open up a one-set advantage.

However, Goffin improved during the second, and although he conceded one of his breaks of serve towards the end of the set, he held on to ensure that the encounter went the distance.

Ferrer regrouped though, and after opening up an early lead in the third, he never looked like giving up his advantage and he eventually came through in two hours 10 minutes.