Napoli records largest Serie A win since 1987

Rome - Dries Mertens scored a hat-trick and Manolo Gabbiadini notched a brace as Napoli kept its faint Serie A title hopes alive by thrashing Bologna 6-0 on Tuesday.

Juventus could have won a fifth straight title with victory over Lazio on Wednesday had Napoli lost. That would have given the Old Lady a 12 point lead with just four matches left, and as they have the edge on the southerners in head-to-head record, they would have been champions.

Instead, Napoli lives to fight another day as Gabbiadini struck twice in the first half, cutting Juve's lead, for 24 hours at least, to six points. Mertens stole the show with a trio of goals, however, including his final tally on the day.

The win moved Napoli eight points clear of third-placed Roma, who host Torino on Wednesday before entertaining Napoli next Monday.