Immobile treble helps title contender Lazio crush Samp 5-1

Ciro Immobile scored a hat trick on Saturday to help Lazio crush Sampdoria 5-1 as Simone Inzaghi’s side continued to look like a genuine title contender. It was a record-extending 11th successive Serie A win for Lazio and saw team close within three points of leer Juventus, and one behind second-placed Inter Milan.Immobile has 23 league goals this season, nine more than any or player — and three more than Sampdoria.

It was a miserable 23rd birthday for Sampdoria goalkeeper Emil Audero. Lazio dominated from start and was 3-0 up inside 20 minutes. Immobile also h a hand in opener as Audero could only parry his effort, allowing Felipe Caicedo to tap in rebound. Immobile, who turns 30 on Monday, n converted a penalty following a Nicola Murru handball, and doubled his tally three minutes later.

Sampdoria mand to hold Lazio at bay for remainder of first half but substitute Bastos extended home side’s le nine minutes into second period, shortly after coming off bench. Immobile completed his hat trick with ar penalty, in 65th, after Omar Colley handled. Karol Linetty grabbed a consolation goal but Sampdoria's misery was complete three minutes later when defender Julian Chabot was shown a straight red card for a foul on Lazio forward Bobby ekanye as he was running clear on goal. Napoli was playing Fiorentina later, after Tori’s match at Sassuolo.