Napoli Edge Lazio in Tempestuous Contest With Three Dismissals
Early efforts from Spinazzola and Amir Rrahmani secured a win for the visitors at Lazio in a match marred by three dismissals.
This result moves Conte's side to within a single point of Serie A leaders Milan, who won on Friday. Inter occupy third place but have a chance to go back to the top with a win in their later match.
Control Amid Injury Woes
Despite missing several key players, the southern Italian side controlled the proceedings with measured build-up play. The first goal came when Politano's delivery was volleyed home by the wing-back at the far post.
The lead was extended in the first half as Rrahmani powered a glancing header from a Politano set-piece into the net. They came close to a third goal shortly after when Elmas watched his header rattle against the crossbar.
Flashpoints and Red Cards
After the break brought more injury concern for the away side when a player limped off. The stoppage triggered a brief altercation, resulting in bookings for a Napoli defender and the home side's Tijjani Noslin—who subsequently was shown a second yellow for a foul.
"I must congratulate my players, playing with this level of technical ability and physical strength while preventing the opposition play is difficult," stated the winning head coach. "We played at a exceptional level of quality."
Tensions boiled over again late on as players from both sides became involved in a fierce confrontation, prompting the coach to intervene. The two players were shown red cards for their involvement in the incident.
Other European Fixtures
Over in La Liga, the Andalusian side suffered a 3-0 defeat at home to lowly Levante. The visitors took control with a fine team goal before scoring two more goals in the second period to seal a convincing victory.
In other news, Los Blancos face major must-win when they play Real Betis, after their rivals extended their lead at the summit. In the day's other match, Atlético Madrid travel to face Real Sociedad.
In France, a landmark Parisian clasico is scheduled as Paris FC visit giants Paris Saint-Germain. This match marks the first top-flight meeting between the neighbors in over 36 years, bringing significant spice to the occasion.
