Murray cruises past Pouille

Andy Murray cruised through to the final of the Internazionali d'Italia with a regulation straight-sets victory over Lucas Pouille.

The world number three had not dropped a set in reaching the last four in Rome and maintained that record as he took less than an hour to secure a 6-2 6-1 win.

Pouille had ridden his luck on his way to the semis, only qualifying for the main draw when compatriot Jo-Wilfried Tsonga pulled out through injury and then enjoying a walkover victory against an injured Juan Monaco in the last eight.

And the 22-year-old, ranked 52nd in the world, had little answer to the power and precision of Murray, who rarely faltered as he moved a step closer to a third career clay title.

The Scot broke serve four times and refused to let a rain interruption during the first set break his rhythm as he booked a meeting with either Novak Djokovic or Kei Nishikori in Sunday's final.

It will be a first ever appearance in the final for Murray, who is playing in his first tournament since splitting with coach Amelie Mauresmo.

The 28-year-old, who will turn 29 on Sunday, reached the Madrid Open final last weekend and appears to be hitting form ahead of the French Open, which is due to get under way on May 22.

Murray has won only nine of 32 meetings with Djokovic, but has recorded six victories from seven against Nishikori.