Napoli Hold Off Lazio in Heated Contest With Multiple Dismissals
Goals before the break from Leonardo Spinazzola and Rrahmani secured a win for Napoli at Lazio in a match marred by three dismissals.
Three points moves Conte's side to just one point behind of Italian league pace-setters Milan, who prevailed on Friday. Inter Milan hold third place but can return to the summit with a win in their later fixture.
Control Despite Injury Woes
Despite missing several injured players, Napoli commanded the proceedings with patient attacks. The first goal came when Politano's delivery was volleyed home by Spinazzola at the back post.
The lead was doubled in the 32nd minute as Rrahmani guided a glancing header from a Politano set-piece into the bottom corner. They came close to a third shortly after when Elmas saw his effort crash against the woodwork.
Tempers Flare and Red Cards
After the break brought further injury concern for the away side when a player was forced off. This incident triggered a short altercation, leading to yellow cards for Rrahmani and Lazio's Noslin—who then received a second yellow for a foul.
"I must congratulate my players, playing with such a high standard of technical ability and intensity while preventing Lazio play is not easy," stated the winning manager. "We played at a very high level of play."
Tensions flared again near the end as players from both sides became involved in a heated confrontation, requiring the manager to intervene. The two players were shown red cards for their part in the incident.
Other European Fixtures
In Spain's La Liga, the Andalusian side suffered a heavy loss at home to lowly Levante. Levante took control with a well-worked move before adding two more strikes in the second period to seal a comprehensive win.
In other news, Real Madrid host major pressure when they welcome Betis, after their arch-rivals extended their advantage at the top. In the day's other match, Atlético Madrid travel to face La Real.
Turning to Ligue 1, a historic capital derby takes place as the newly-promoted side visit powerhouses PSG. This match represents the inaugural top-flight encounter between the neighbors in decades, adding significant spice to the occasion.
