Salah's hat-trick takes Roma closer to Juventus

Rome: Mohamed Salah scored a hat-trick as Roma kept in touch with Serie A leaders Juventus by beating Bologna 3-0 at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday night.

Juve's earlier victory at Chievo pushed them seven points clear at the top, but free-scoring Roma made sure to advance their determined chase of the Scudetto with another impressive home win. Salah's lucky opener punctuated a frustrating first half while his brace after the break was convincing. Miralem Pjanic earlier fired a 75th-minute free-kick as Juve clinched a 2-1 win at Chievo.

The Bianconeri had led through Mario Mandzukic's second-half opener until Sergio Pellissier beat Gianluigi Buffon, who was making his 600th Serie A appearance, from the penalty spot.

Substitute Gianluca Lapadula grabbed his maiden AC Milan goal to earn the Scudetto-chasing Rossoneri all three points from their trip to Palermo. His 27 goals helped Pescara achieve promotion to the top flight last season but the Turin-born striker has struggled to make an impact for his new employers at San Siro.