The Partenopei Overcome The Biancocelesti in Heated Clash With Multiple Red Cards
Early efforts from Leonardo Spinazzola and Amir Rrahmani earned a win for Napoli at Lazio in a match overshadowed by a trio of red cards.
This result moves Conte's side to within a single point of Italian league pace-setters AC Milan, who won on Friday. Inter Milan occupy third place but have a chance to go back to the summit with a victory in their evening match.
Control Despite Absences
Despite missing several injured players, the southern Italian side commanded the game with patient build-up play. The opener came when Politano's delivery was drilled home by Spinazzola at the back post.
The lead was doubled in the first half as Rrahmani guided a glancing header from a Politano set-piece into the bottom corner. Napoli went close to a third shortly after when Eljif Elmas saw his effort crash against the crossbar.
Tempers Flare and Dismissals
After the break saw more injury concern for the away side when a winger was forced off. This incident sparked a brief confrontation, leading to bookings for a Napoli defender and the home side's Tijjani Noslin—who then was shown a second yellow for a foul.
"My compliments to my players, playing with such a high standard of quality and physical strength while preventing the opposition have control is not easy," remarked the winning manager. "We played at a very high level of play."
Tempers boiled over again late on as two opponents became involved in a heated confrontation, prompting the manager to step in. The two players were dismissed for their involvement in the incident.
Other European Action
Over in La Liga, the Andalusian side endured a heavy loss at home to lowly Levante. The visitors established a lead with a fine move before scoring two more strikes in the second half to seal a comprehensive win.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid face significant pressure when they play Betis, after their arch-rivals increased their lead at the top. In the day's other match, Atlético Madrid make the journey to face Real Sociedad.
In France, a historic capital derby is scheduled as the newly-promoted side visit powerhouses Paris Saint-Germain. This match represents the first top-flight encounter between the neighbors in decades, adding extra spice to the occasion.
