Gli Azzurri Edge The Biancocelesti in Heated Contest With Multiple Dismissals
Early efforts from Leonardo Spinazzola and Amir Rrahmani delivered a two-goal victory for Napoli at Lazio in a fixture marred by a trio of red cards.
This result moves Conte's side to just one point behind of Serie A leaders AC Milan, who won on Friday. Inter Milan occupy third place but can return to the top with a victory in their later match.
Dominance Amid Injury Woes
Hampered by the absence of several injured personnel, Napoli commanded the proceedings with measured attacks. The first goal came when Matteo Politano's delivery was drilled home by the wing-back at the far post.
The advantage was doubled in the first half as Rrahmani powered a glancing header from a Politano free-kick into the net. Napoli came close to a third goal shortly after when Elmas saw his header crash against the crossbar.
Flashpoints and Dismissals
After the break brought more worry for the visitors when a player limped off. The stoppage sparked a short confrontation, leading to yellow cards for a Napoli defender and the home side's Noslin—who subsequently received a second yellow for a challenge.
"I must congratulate the lads, playing with this level of technical ability and physical strength without letting the opposition have control is difficult," stated the winning manager. "We played at a very high level of quality."
Tempers boiled over again late on as two opponents became involved in a heated exchange, prompting the coach to step in. The two players were sent off for their part in the clash.
Other Continental Fixtures
Over in La Liga, Sevilla endured a 3-0 defeat at home to struggling the Granotas. Levante took control with a well-worked team goal before adding two more goals in the second period to seal a convincing win.
In other news, Los Blancos face significant must-win when they play Betis, after their rivals increased their lead at the top. Later on late game, Atlético Madrid make the journey to face Real Sociedad.
Turning to Ligue 1, a landmark capital derby is scheduled as the newly-promoted side face powerhouses Paris Saint-Germain. The fixture represents the first top-flight meeting between the neighbors in decades, bringing extra intrigue to the weekend's action.
