ROME, May 16 (Xinhua) -- Roger Federer easily overcame Portugal's Joao Sousa within two sets and advance to the third round of the Italian Open on Thursday.

The world No. 3 won through 6-4, 6-3 against the 72nd-ranked Sousa and to set up a meeting with Croatian 13th seed Borna Coric later in the day for a place in the quarterfinals after rain delayed play on Wednesday.

Federer had entered the finals for four times in the Italian Open. He returns to Italy after skipping the clay season for the last two years as he concentrated on his grass game.