Dzeko hat trick lifts Roma into Round of 32

A hat trick from a confident Edin Dzeko and an outrageous rabona from substitute Diego Perotti gave Roma a 4-1 win Thursday over Viktoria Plzen - more than enough to top Group E and secure passage to the last 32 of the Europa League.

Any concerns about the Giallorossi's domestic form evaporated on a night of spectacular goals at Stadio Olimpico.

Dzeko kick-started the evening with a fleet-footed curling effort that floored one Plzen defender.

The Czech visitor clawed back a goal minutes later, when purple-haired poacher Martin Zeman nodded a smart header past goalkeeper Alisson.

But the home side took complete control of proceedings in the second stanza, with Dzeko - who now leads Roma with 15 goals in all competitions - completing his treble, and Perotti submitting his candidate for goal of the year.

Though he was reduced to a bench role, the cheeky Argentine maximised the minutes he did get Thursday.

Perotti took on two defenders before wrapping his right foot around his left and chipping a helpless Matus Kozacik.

With 11 points through five matches, Roma's now ensured of finishing first ahead of nearest Europa rival Astra Giurgiu.