Novak Djokovic extended his unbeaten run to 22 matches as he claimed a fourth Internazionali d'Italia title against Roger Federer in Rome.

The Serb's 6-4 6-3 victory in the Italian capital is his fourth tournament triumph in a row having previously won in Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo.

Djokovic secured a crucial break at the end of the first set, before dominating the second to cruise to the title and leave him perfectly prepared for the French Open later this month.

An enthralling opening set saw both players produce some fine groundstrokes, as Federer's backhand worked like clockwork while Djokovic powerful forehand brought a glut of points.

Despite some pressure neither player had looked in any trouble on their own serve until the ninth, when surprisingly it was top seed Djokovic under threat.

Federer failed to convert a chance of a break in the ninth game of the opener, but world number one Djokovic had no such trouble in the very next game, with the Swiss sending a backhand into the net to give his rival the advantage.

Djokovic then made an impressive start to the second set, winning the first three games to set him on course for the title.

Federer rallied to keep the pressure on, but Djokovic remained calm and composed, the 27-year-old serving out for the match as a wild Federer forehand confirmed his 24th ATP 1000 tournament win.