Gli Azzurri Hold Off Lazio in Tempestuous Contest With Multiple Sendings-Off
Early efforts from Spinazzola and Amir Rrahmani secured a 2-0 triumph for Napoli at Lazio in a fixture overshadowed by three dismissals.
The win propels Conte's side to just one point behind of Serie A leaders Milan, who won on Friday. Inter hold third place but can return to the summit with a victory in their later match.
Dominance Despite Injury Woes
Hampered by the absence of a number of injured personnel, the southern Italian side controlled the game with measured build-up play. The opener came when Politano's delivery was drilled home by the wing-back at the back post.
The lead was doubled in the first half as the defender powered a header from a Politano free-kick into the net. They went close to a third goal shortly after when Elmas watched his header crash against the woodwork.
Flashpoints and Dismissals
After the break saw more injury concern for the visitors when a winger limped off. This incident triggered a brief altercation, leading to yellow cards for Rrahmani and Lazio's Noslin—who then received a second caution for a challenge.
"My compliments to the lads, performing with such a high standard of quality and physical strength while preventing the opposition have control is difficult," remarked the winning head coach. "Our performance was at a very high level of play."
Tempers boiled over again late on as two opponents were embroiled in a heated exchange, requiring the coach to step in. The two players were shown red cards for their involvement in the clash.
Elsewhere European Action
In Spain's La Liga, Sevilla suffered a 3-0 defeat at home to lowly the Granotas. Levante established a lead with a fine move before adding two more goals in the second half to complete a convincing win.
In other news, Real Madrid host significant pressure when they welcome Betis, after their arch-rivals increased their advantage at the summit. In the day's other match, Atleti make the journey to face La Real.
Turning to Ligue 1, a landmark capital clasico is scheduled as the newly-promoted side visit giants Paris Saint-Germain. The fixture marks the inaugural top-flight meeting between the neighbors in decades, adding extra spice to the occasion.
