Napoli have had a rough old time of it this year, losing their inspirational manager to Chelsea after the Scudetto slipped through their fingers in the closing weeks of last season.
But one thing they can still count on is the sumptuous striking talent of Belgian Dries Mertens.
The 31-year-old hit the net 18 times in Serie A last season after 28 goal campaign the year before – stepping in to fill the considerable gap left by Gonzalo Higuain’s backside in the Neapolitan frontline.
And he’s back on the same pace again this season. He lashed in a hat-trick last night as the Partenopei high-fived Empoli in a thrashing at the San Paolo.
This swinging screamer from the edge of the box was the pick of the bunch, arching and looping over Ivan Provedel and into the side netting to make it 3-1 to the home side.
Hit a golazo every time with PaddyPower.com| GOAL! |#MERTENS 😍
He is on form tonight, what a goal! 🔥
Napoli 3-1 Empoli#NapoliEmpoli pic.twitter.com/yCNU3Q6CKN
— ELEVEN Football (@ElevenSportsFB) November 2, 2018
As ever, respect to Eleven Sports for sharing.
Just for good measure, he sealed his hat-trick with a sweeping counter in injury time.
| FULL TIME |#Mertens gets his hat-trick in the closing minutes of the game. Well deserved 👏
Napoli 5-1 Empoli #NapoliEmpoli pic.twitter.com/7PMK3KRWEy
— ELEVEN Football (@ElevenSportsFB) November 2, 2018
Not a bad night’s work.
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