Gli Azzurri Overcome Lazio in Fiery Contest With Three Dismissals
First-half strikes from Leonardo Spinazzola and Amir Rrahmani secured a win for Napoli at the Stadio Olimpico in a match marred by a trio of red cards.
Three points moves Conte's side to within a single point of Serie A pace-setters AC Milan, who prevailed on Friday. Inter Milan hold third place but can return to the top with a win in their later match.
Control Despite Absences
Despite missing several injured personnel, Napoli commanded the game with measured attacks. The opener came when Politano's delivery was drilled home by Spinazzola at the back post.
The advantage was doubled in the 32nd minute as the defender powered a header from a Politano free-kick into the bottom corner. They came close to a third goal shortly after when Eljif Elmas watched his effort crash against the crossbar.
Tempers Flare and Dismissals
The second half brought more worry for the visitors when a winger was forced off. The stoppage triggered a short altercation, resulting in yellow cards for a Napoli defender and the home side's Noslin—who subsequently was shown a second yellow for a challenge.
"My compliments to the lads, performing with this level of technical ability and intensity while preventing Lazio have control is difficult," remarked the winning head coach. "Our performance was at a exceptional level of play."
Tensions flared again late on as players from both sides were embroiled in a fierce exchange, prompting the manager to intervene. The two players were shown red cards for their involvement in the clash.
Other Continental Fixtures
Over in La Liga, the Andalusian side endured a heavy loss at home to struggling Levante. The visitors took control with a well-worked move before adding two further goals in the second period to seal a convincing win.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos host major must-win when they play Real Betis, after their arch-rivals increased their lead at the top. In the day's late match, Atleti travel to face Real Sociedad.
Turning to Ligue 1, a historic capital clasico is scheduled as Paris FC face giants Paris Saint-Germain. The fixture marks the inaugural top-flight meeting between the two clubs in decades, adding extra intrigue to the occasion.
