Holders PSG set up French Cup final with Rennes

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Verratti scored for Paris Saint-Germain as they beat Nantes 3-0 at home to reach the French Cup final, with a fifth consecutive title in their sights.

The midfielder, who also found the net for Italy last week, opened the scoring for the Cup holders in the first half with his first PSG goal of the season.

With Neymar watching from the stands, Kylian Mbappe scored a penalty and Daniel Alves found the net with a delicate lob to wrap up victory in the closing stages.

Mbappe was denied from the spot by Nantes keeper Ciprian Tatarusanu earlier in the match before the visitors were reduced to 10 men after Kalifa Coulibaly was sent off for a second yellow card in the 71st minute.

Captain Thiago Silva of Paris Saint-Germain celebrates the victory after the French Cup semifinal with FC Nantes in Paris, France, April 3, 2019. /VCG Photo

"After the first goal it was a little easier," said PSG captain Thiago Silva.

"I think we deserved this result even if it was difficult and we still deserved to be in the final, which is important for the club."

The result keeps Thomas Tuchel's team, who suffered an early exit from the Champions League in the last 16 at the hands of Manchester United, on course to win a domestic league and cup double.

PSG, who lost Marquinhos to a muscle injury, will face Stade Rennais, who beat Olympique Lyonnais 3-2 on Tuesday, in the April 27 showdown at the Stade de France.

Paris might have Neymar back for the final after the Brazilian returned to training on Wednesday following more than two months out with a foot injury.

(With input from AFP and Reuters)