Libor Kozak hits three as Lazio storm past Stuttgart into last eight

Libor Kozak struck a hat-trick as Lazio cruised through to the quarter-finals of the Europa League this evening.

The Serie A giants began tonight's second leg in Rome with a 2-0 advantage over Stuttgart - and that lead was soon doubled, as Kozak scored twice within the opening eight minutes.

His first came on six minutes, when he smashed home from six yards following a low cross by Stefan Radu.

Kozak's second came moments later, as he collected Hernanes's precise pass before calmly stroking the ball beyond Sven Ulreich from 12 yards.

Stuttgart responded well and their refusal to give in was rewarded just after the hour mark, when Tamas Hajnal netted a venomous consolation goal from 18 yards.

However, Lazio had the last word, as Kozak scored again three minutes from time with a well-placed header.