Djokovic took the world No 1 to a first-set tie-break but Nadal won 7-6 (7-2) before claiming the second set 6-2.

The Spaniard continued his overall dominance against the third-ranked Serbian, beating him for the 13th time in their 17 meetings.

"The Rome Masters is a really important tournament for me," said Nadal. "I am delighted to have won again in Rome and to have achieved this record.

"It's a great feeling to win in front of this crowd. I congratulate Djokovic for a great match, and I will be back next year."

In a thrilling first set, Nadal appeared to take command when he broke Djokovic and then had a chance to serve for a 1-0 lead.

The world No 3, however, broke right back to send the set to a tie-break.

Djokovic won the first point but was then guilty of committing numerous unforced errors and allowed Nadal to win the tie-break with ease.

The second set was tied at 2-2 before Nadal forged ahead and won the next four games to clinch his fifth title of the season.

Nadal, who had beaten Djokovic in the final of the Monte Carlo Masters two weeks ago, claimed his 30th straight victory on clay since losing to Juan Carlos Ferrero in the second round of the Rome Masters last year.

The Serb made 40 unforced errors in defeat.

"Congratulations to Nadal," said Djokovic. "He played a great match."

Nadal, who is firm favourite to win the French Open at Roland Garros, does not have his mind set on Paris just yet.

"The next tournament is Madrid," he said. "And that is the most difficult as it is the one coming up next."