Dybala hattrick powers perfect Juventus

A Paulo Dybala hattrick lifted Juventus back to the summit of Serie A alongside Inter Milan with a 3-1 victory at Sassuolo on Sunday making it four wins out of four for the champions.

The Argentina forward left the pitch ten minutes from the end to a standing ovation from the crowd at the Mapei Stadium following a masterclass performance by the 23-year-old who has now scored eight goals in four games.

His first was a left-footed volley from the edge of the box to beat Andrea Consigli on 16 minutes, the second a close-range effort again surprising the Sassuolo goalkeeper just after the break and the third a sublime free-kick on 63 minutes.

Sassuolo managed to get a consolation goal through Matteo Politano after a Stephan Lichtsteiner error on 51 minutes.

"I wanted to score one and three came along," said Dybala after his second hat-trick of the season and his 52nd goal in his 100th match for Juventus.

The victory also helped Massimiliano Allegri's team bounce back from the disappointment of their midweek Champions League defeat to Barcelona.

"The team continues to win and reach high levels," continued Dybala.

"I hope to continue like that with the number 10 shirt. The team gives me confidence and I also compliment the coach, who gives me the freedom to play where I want."

Juventus leapfrog Inter, also on the maximum 12 points but behind on goal difference. They won 2-0 at Crotone on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Dries Mertens of Belgium also grabbed a hattrick, including two penalties, as Napoli thrashed hapless Benevento 6-0, scoring four times in the first 32 minutes.

Croatia's Nikola Kalinic scored his first two goals for AC Milan in a 2-1 win over Udinese, as both sides had a goal chalked off after consultations with the video assistant referee.