Noslin nets hat-trick as Lazio knock Napoli out of Coppa Italia

Napoli was eliminated from the Italian Cup by Lazio on Thursday, as Tijjani Noslin (25) scored a hat-trick, leading the Serie A leaders to a 3-1 victory in the last-16 match held in Rome.

As a result of Noslin's impressive performance, Lazio will advance to the quarter-finals, where they will compete against either Inter Milan or Udinese. Noslin's goals have brought his season total to five.

Inter will host Udinese at the San Siro in two weeks.

Noslin opened the scoring for Lazio with a header in the 32nd minute. Although Giovanni Simeone quickly equalized, Noslin restored Lazio's lead just before halftime with a skillful dummy and finish following a well-executed team move.

He secured Lazio's progression to the quarter-finals with another header just four minutes into the second half, converting a precise cross from Mattia Zaccagni, who had previously seen a penalty saved in the first half.

The cup match featured predominantly reserve players and served as a precursor to the Serie A encounter scheduled for Sunday night in Naples, where Napoli will aim to maintain their narrow lead in the league standings.

Currently, Napoli holds a one-point advantage over Atalanta and is four points ahead of Inter, Fiorentina, and Lazio as they approach the weekend's league matches.

SportsLigue