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.

While the Giallorossi claimed a sixth victory from six at the Olimpico, Bologna are winless in seven.

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Bologna gave their hosts an early scare when Ladislav Krejci forced a brave clearance from Federico Fazio but Roma were soon on the offensive with Edin Dzeko just missing the far post.

In the 13th minute Salah struck the opener, Diego Perotti putting Alex Ferrari on the ground before finding his Egyptian teammate for a deflected finish.

Roma had numerous chances to extend their lead before half-time but Perotti and Radja Nainggolan were both guilty of profligacy.

Da Costa, who did well to twice repel 10-goal Bosnian striker Dzeko when play resumed, managed to snatch the ball off Salah's feet on the hour mark.

There would no denying the former Chelsea winger his double, though, and he found it when scooping up Kevin Strootman's through ball and beating Da Costa.

Indeed, Salah would not be stopped on his route to a treble. In the 71st minute Da Costa spilled Dzeko's left-footed effort and the rebound was easily swept into the net.