Gli Azzurri Edge Lazio in Heated Contest With Multiple Dismissals
First-half strikes from Spinazzola and Rrahmani secured a win for Napoli at the Stadio Olimpico in a fixture overshadowed by a trio of red cards.
The win pushes Conte's side to within a single point of Serie A leaders AC Milan, who prevailed on Friday. Inter Milan occupy 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 commanded the game with patient build-up play. The opener arrived when Politano's cross was volleyed home by Spinazzola at the far post.
The advantage was extended in the first half as Rrahmani powered a header from a Politano free-kick into the net. They went close to a third shortly after when Eljif Elmas saw his effort crash against the woodwork.
Tempers Flare and Dismissals
The second half saw further worry for the away side when a player was forced off. The stoppage sparked a brief altercation, leading to bookings for a Napoli defender and the home side's Tijjani Noslin—who then was shown a second caution for a challenge.
"My compliments to my players, performing with this level of technical ability and intensity without letting Lazio play is not easy," remarked the triumphant head coach. "Our performance was at a very high level of play."
Tempers flared again late on as two opponents became involved in a heated exchange, prompting the manager to step in. The two players were sent off for their involvement in the clash.
Elsewhere European Fixtures
In Spain's La Liga, the Andalusian side endured a 3-0 defeat at home to struggling the Granotas. The visitors took control with a fine team goal before scoring two more goals in the second period to complete a convincing victory.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos face significant pressure when they play Real Betis, after their rivals extended their lead at the top. Later on late match, Atlético Madrid make the journey to face Real Sociedad.
Turning to Ligue 1, a historic Parisian derby takes place as the newly-promoted side visit giants Paris Saint-Germain. This match represents the first top-flight meeting between the two clubs in decades, bringing extra intrigue to the weekend's action.
