The Spaniard, who was the reigning champion at Jockey Club Brasileiro, looked to be cruising to victory as he won the opening set, but Italian No 1 Fognini came storming back to triumph 1-6 6-2 7-5.
"Rafa is always difficult. From the second set I played really well, and I tried to change a little bit to be more positive on court."
"I'm really happy about this match. I beat the best player on this surface," said world No 28 Fognini.
Fognini, aiming to win a fifth ATP Tour title, will now face Nadal's compatriot David Ferrer in Sunday's final.
"I'm super happy, and obviously I will have to battle David, who has always beaten me. I will obviously be happy if I win. If I lose, I will also leave with the good memories from this week in Rio," added the Italian.
Second-seed Ferrer came through a comfortable last-four clash against Austrian Andreas Haider-Maurer 7-5 6-1.
culled from skysport.com
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