A brilliant performance by Brazilian striker Pato saw Milan inflict what could prove to be a fatal blow to Napoli’s Serie A title hopes last night as the leaders cruised to a 3-0 win.

The 21-year-old – a somewhat controversial omission from last year’s World Cup finals squad – set up Ghanaian Kevin-Prince Boateng for Milan’s second goal and then added a glorious third two minutes later to give them a five-point lead over champions Inter while Napoli are six points adrift of the leaders.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic put Milan ahead from the penalty spot after Salvatore Aronica’s handball.

Napoli goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis came up with a string of good saves to keep the visitors in the contest but could not stop substitute Boateng from doubling Milan’s lead with 13 minutes to go.

Pato then scored Milan’s third to cap off a great night for the hosts.

Napoli, who entered the game after winning six of their last seven league games, failed to test Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati for the entire game.

Napoli’s Marek Hamsik struck wide from outside the area after 12 minutes played.

On the half-hour mark, Ibrahimovic’s left-footed strike from 10 yards was blocked by a Napoli defender.

Before half-time, Mark van Bommel’s diagonal effort was off target.

Milan were unlucky not to break the deadlock soon after the re-start as De Sanctis kept out Van Bommel’s powerful volley.

Napoli then failed to clear the ball inside their area and Aronica, with Pato moving into a threatening position, touched the ball with his arm.

A penalty was given and although De Sanctis moved the right way, he could not get his hand on Ibrahimovic’s shot towards the bottom left corner.

The goal inspired the hosts, who could have doubled their lead in the 55th minute.

Pato dribbled past a defender before firing towards the far post only for De Sanctis’ to deny him.

De Sanctis’ next save was more spectacular as he kept out Robinho’s attempt from close range.

Napoli should have equalised in the 69th minute but Paolo Cannavaro’s header from Christian Maggio’s cross went wide.

Shortly after that, Milan struck.

Pato served Boateng inside the area and he fired past De Sanctis.

Napoli had little time to react as Milan extended their lead.

A fast counter-attack saw Van Bommel’s pass find Pato and his right-footed shot from outside the penalty area beat De Sanctis.