Napoli Edge Lazio in Fiery Encounter Featuring Three Dismissals
Goals before the break from Spinazzola and Amir Rrahmani earned a win for the visitors at Lazio in a fixture overshadowed by three dismissals.
Three points propels Conte's side to just one point behind of Serie A pace-setters Milan, who prevailed on Friday. Inter occupy third place but have a chance to go back to the summit with a win in their later match.
Control Amid Absences
Despite missing a number of key players, the southern Italian side controlled the game with patient build-up play. The opener arrived when Matteo Politano's delivery was volleyed home by Spinazzola at the far post.
The advantage was doubled in the first half as Rrahmani powered a glancing header from a Politano set-piece into the net. They came close to a third goal shortly after when Eljif Elmas saw his header rattle against the woodwork.
Flashpoints and Red Cards
After the break saw more worry for the visitors when a player limped off. This incident triggered a short confrontation, leading to bookings for a Napoli defender and the home side's Noslin—who then received a second caution for a foul.
"My compliments to my players, playing with this level of quality and physical strength while preventing the opposition have control is difficult," stated the triumphant head coach. "Our performance was at a very high level of quality."
Tensions boiled over again near the end as players from both sides were embroiled in a fierce exchange, requiring the manager to step in. Both individuals were dismissed for their part in the clash.
Elsewhere Continental Action
In Spain's La Liga, Sevilla endured a heavy loss at home to struggling the Granotas. The visitors established a lead with a fine team goal before scoring two further goals in the second half to seal a convincing victory.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid face major must-win when they welcome Betis, after their arch-rivals increased their advantage at the top. In the day's other game, Atlético Madrid make the journey to face La Real.
Turning to Ligue 1, a landmark capital clasico is scheduled as Paris FC visit giants PSG. The fixture represents the first top-flight encounter between the two clubs in decades, bringing extra spice to the weekend's action.
