Gerrard 75, 87 (pen), 89      Lavezzi 28

An inspirational 45 minutes from Liverpool talisman Steven Gerrard turned this Europa League game completely on its head, as his hat-trick in the last quarter-hour overwhelmed Serie A high-flyers Napoli.

The Italian club led at the interval after Ezequiel Lavezzi raced clear of a static Liverpool rearguard and slotted his right-foot shot past Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina’s left-hand.

Lavezzi and Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani spurned chances as Napoli had much the better of the first-half.

But the interval introduction of Gerrard, one of a number of players rested by Reds boss Roy Hodgson, galvanised the whole occasion.

David Ngog fired a clear-cut chance at Napoli keeper Morgan de Sanctis on 51 minutes and Raul Meireles fired wide with his left-foot moments later.

But on 75 minutes, Gerrard beat de Sanctis to an underhit backpass by ex-Liverpool left-back Andrea Dossena and forced the ball home.

Twelve minutes later, Salvatore Aronica, who escaped dismissal for a horror studs-up challenge on Ngog, hauled Glen Johnson down in the box and Gerrard slotted the penalty past de Sanctis’ full-length dive.

And on 89 minutes, Gerrard broke clear of a hesitant defence and dinked a cheeky shot over the on-rushing de Sanctis to complete the comeback.