Napoli Hold Off The Biancocelesti in Fiery Clash Featuring Multiple Dismissals
Goals before the break from Spinazzola and Rrahmani delivered a win for Napoli at the Stadio Olimpico in a match marred by three dismissals.
Three points propels Conte's side to just one point behind of Italian league leaders AC Milan, who won on Friday. Inter occupy third place but have a chance to go back to the top with a win in their evening match.
Dominance Amid Injury Woes
Hampered by the absence of a number of injured players, Napoli commanded the game with patient attacks. The opener came when Politano's cross was drilled home by Spinazzola at the back post.
The advantage was extended in the 32nd minute as Rrahmani guided a header from a Politano free-kick into the bottom corner. Napoli came close to a third shortly after when Elmas saw his header rattle against the woodwork.
Tempers Flare and Dismissals
After the break saw more worry for the visitors when a winger limped off. The stoppage triggered a short altercation, resulting in yellow cards for Rrahmani and Lazio's Tijjani Noslin—who subsequently received a second caution for a foul.
"I must congratulate the lads, playing with such a high standard of technical ability and physical strength without letting Lazio play is not easy," remarked the triumphant manager. "We played at a exceptional level of quality."
Tempers flared again near the end as players from both sides became involved in a fierce confrontation, requiring the manager to intervene. Both individuals were shown red cards for their involvement in the incident.
Elsewhere Continental Action
Over in La Liga, the Andalusian side endured a heavy loss at home to lowly Levante. Levante took control with a well-worked move before adding two more goals in the second half to complete a convincing win.
In other news, Los Blancos host significant pressure when they play Betis, after their arch-rivals extended their lead at the summit. In the day's late game, Atlético Madrid travel to face La Real.
In France, a historic capital derby takes place as Paris FC face powerhouses PSG. The fixture marks the first top-flight encounter between the neighbors in decades, bringing extra intrigue to the weekend's action.
