Gli Azzurri Hold Off Lazio in Heated Encounter Featuring Three Sendings-Off
Early efforts from Leonardo Spinazzola and Amir Rrahmani secured a win for the visitors at Lazio in a match overshadowed by three dismissals.
This result propels Conte's side to just one point behind of Serie A leaders Milan, who won on Friday. Inter Milan occupy third place but have a chance to go back to the top with a victory in their later fixture.
Control Amid Absences
Despite missing a number of key personnel, Napoli controlled the proceedings with patient attacks. The first goal arrived when Politano's cross was volleyed home by Spinazzola at the far post.
The advantage was doubled in the 32nd minute as Rrahmani guided a header from another Politano free-kick into the bottom corner. Napoli came close to a third goal shortly after when Eljif Elmas saw his header rattle against the crossbar.
Tempers Flare and Red Cards
After the break brought further injury concern for the away side when a winger was forced off. The stoppage sparked a brief altercation, leading to bookings for a Napoli defender and the home side's Tijjani Noslinâwho subsequently was shown a second caution for a foul.
"I must congratulate the lads, performing with this level of technical ability and intensity while preventing Lazio play is not easy," stated the triumphant head coach. "Our performance was at a exceptional level of quality."
Tensions flared again late on as players from both sides were embroiled in a heated confrontation, prompting the coach to intervene. Both individuals were dismissed for their part in the incident.
Other Continental Action
In Spain's La Liga, Sevilla suffered a heavy loss at home to struggling Levante. The visitors took control with a fine team goal before scoring two further strikes in the second period to seal a comprehensive win.
In other news, Los Blancos host significant pressure when they play Betis, after their rivals extended their advantage at the summit. In the day's other game, Atlético Madrid travel to face La Real.
Turning to Ligue 1, a landmark capital clasico is scheduled as the newly-promoted side face giants Paris Saint-Germain. This match marks the inaugural top-flight encounter between the two clubs in decades, adding significant intrigue to the weekend's action.
