Disclosed is the preparation of 2-deoxy-D-erythro-2,2-difluoro-ribofuranose-3,5-dibenzoate: ##STR00001## a known intermediate for the preparation of Gemcitabine, by means of a reduction process; further disclosed is the purification of Gemcitabine by chromatography and the purification of Gemcitabine hydrochloride by crystallization techniques from ternary solvent mixtures. The main advantage of the invention is providing Gemcitabine hydrochloride with purity in conformity with the Pharmacopoeia requirements, as well as a process particularly convenient from the industrial point of view.