Napoli Hold Off The Biancocelesti in Fiery Encounter With Three Dismissals
First-half strikes from Leonardo Spinazzola and Rrahmani secured a win for Napoli at Lazio in a match marred by a trio of red cards.
The win moves Conte's side to just one point behind of Serie A pace-setters AC Milan, who won on Friday. Inter hold third place but can return to the top with a win in their later match.
Control Despite Injury Woes
Hampered by the absence of several key personnel, Napoli controlled the proceedings with patient attacks. The opener came when Politano's delivery was volleyed home by the wing-back at the far post.
The advantage was doubled in the first half as Rrahmani guided a glancing header from another Politano free-kick into the net. They went close to a third shortly after when Eljif Elmas saw his header crash against the woodwork.
Tempers Flare and Red Cards
The second half brought further injury concern for the visitors when a player limped off. The stoppage sparked a brief altercation, leading to bookings for a Napoli defender and Lazio's Tijjani Noslin—who then was shown a second caution for a challenge.
"I must congratulate the lads, performing with this level of technical ability and intensity while preventing Lazio have control is not easy," remarked the winning head coach. "Our performance was at a very high level of play."
Tempers flared again late on as two opponents were embroiled in a heated confrontation, requiring the coach to step in. Both individuals were sent off for their part in the clash.
Elsewhere Continental Fixtures
In Spain's La Liga, Sevilla endured a heavy loss at home to struggling Levante. The visitors established a lead with a well-worked move before scoring two more goals in the second half to complete a convincing victory.
In other news, Los Blancos host major must-win when they play Betis, after their arch-rivals increased their advantage at the summit. In the day's late game, Atlético Madrid travel to face La Real.
In France, a historic Parisian clasico takes place as Paris FC visit powerhouses Paris Saint-Germain. This match marks the first top-flight encounter between the neighbors in decades, adding extra spice to the weekend's action.
