Crotone manager Giovanni Stroppa has lavished praise on Simy Nwankwo after the forward netted a hat-trick in Friday’s 3-0 win over Benevento.

The Nigeria international stole the show at the Stadio Ezio Scida after helping Crotone secure their first win since the restart of the league following three consecutive draws.

The 28-year-old put Geovanni Stroppa’s men in front in the 14th minute and doubled their lead four minutes later before sealing the victory with his 70th-minute effort.

He was later replaced by Samuel Armenteros nine minutes from time.

“I think he [Simy] could count this so much as a test, given his physicality, he probably did more for the team than others,” Stroppa said after the match.

“In this game, beyond the goals, he put in place an important performance in both halves, both in the offensive and in the defensive. I believe that in general, the whole team worked very well and the result repays us for the work done.”

“Certainly, the last three games before this shout revenge for the final result [because] we have thrown away several points. The team is doing well from a physical point of view. They have returned to playing a certain type of football also carrying out an athletic race with a certain rhythm.”

“Too bad not having scored points in the last few matches. This victory leads us to be still [second] in the ranking and this time we will do everything to maintain this position.”

Nwankwo has scored 16 goals in 31 league appearances for Crotone this season.

He will look to maintain his goalscoring form when Geovanni Stroppa’s side visit fourth-place Cittadella for their next league fixture on July 10.

Crotone occupies the second position on the log with 55 points from 32 games and are well placed to secure promotion to the Seria A.