Maria Sharapova will have the chance to a win a third WTA Internazionali d'Italia title after gaining a measure of revenge on Daria Gavrilova to set up a final against Carla Suarez Navarro.

Third seed Sharapova was beaten by world number 78 Gavrilova on their only previous career encounter in Miami earlier this year, but there would be no repeat as the Russian completed a 7-5 6-3 victory in one hour and 48 minutes.

Gavrilova played her part in a tight first set that lasted over an hour, but she lost her composure at the decisive moment aand was broken when serving to take the opener to a tie break.

The 21-year-old threatened a fightback as she broke for a 3-1 lead in the second.

However, 24 unforced errors counted against Gavrilova and Sharapova reeled off five consecutive games to see off her plucky compatriot.

Sharapova's victory means she will climb to second in the world rankings on Monday, leapfrogging Simona Halep - who lost to Suarez Navarro in the other semi-final.

Five-time grand slam champion Sharapova appears to be hitting form at the right time as she begins the defence of her French Open title at Roland Garros later this month.