Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen capped off a clinical performance with a 16th-minute hat-trick as Serie A defending champions Napoli handed Sassuolo a 6-1 defeat on their home turf.

Osimhen also grabbed an assist, setting up Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s first goal of the evening with the Georgia international adding another to cap off a fine evening with a brace.

Kvaratskhelia’s brace spurred Napoli to a comeback victory, reigniting hopes for European football.

After Amir Rrahmani’s equalizer just before the half-hour mark, Osimhen scored three goals within 16 minutes around halftime, bringing his tally to five goals in three matches since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations.

Kvaratskhelia added to the tally with two impressive strikes in the 51st and 75th minutes against a struggling Sassuolo side.

Matteo Politano, who assisted two of Osimhen’s goals, praised the Nigerian’s impact, stating that having Osimhen in top form made everything easier for Napoli.

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Despite still occupying the ninth position in the league, Napoli are now just four points behind sixth-placed Roma, who currently hold the Europa Conference League spot.

Napoli’s league title defense has been disappointing, trailing Inter Milan by 26 points, but they aim to climb the table with improved performances like this.

Politano emphasized the importance of the win and expressed confidence in Napoli’s ability to catch up in the league standings.

However, they face a tough challenge, with an eight-point gap separating them from the Champions League positions.

Sassuolo, playing their first match under Emiliano Bigica following Alessio Dionisi’s dismissal, suffered their sixth defeat in seven matches, dropping into the relegation zone.