The Partenopei Overcome Lazio in Tempestuous Contest With Multiple Dismissals
Goals before the break from Leonardo Spinazzola and Rrahmani delivered a 2-0 triumph for the visitors at Lazio in a fixture overshadowed by multiple sendings-off.
This result propels Conte's side to just one point behind of Serie A leaders Milan, who won on Friday. Inter Milan occupy third place but can return to the top with a win in their evening fixture.
Control Amid Absences
Hampered by the absence of several injured personnel, the southern Italian side controlled the proceedings with patient attacks. The first goal came when Matteo Politano's cross was drilled home by the wing-back at the far post.
The advantage was doubled in the first half as the defender powered a glancing header from another Politano free-kick into the net. They went close to a third shortly after when Elmas watched his effort crash against the crossbar.
Tempers Flare and Dismissals
The second half saw further injury concern for the away side when a winger limped off. The stoppage triggered a brief altercation, leading to yellow cards for a Napoli defender and the home side's Noslin—who then was shown a second yellow for a challenge.
"I must congratulate my players, playing with such a high standard of quality and intensity without letting the opposition play is difficult," stated the winning head coach. "We played at a very high level of quality."
Tensions flared again late on as players from both sides were embroiled in a heated confrontation, requiring the manager to intervene. The two players were sent off for their involvement in the incident.
Other Continental Action
Over in La Liga, Sevilla suffered a heavy loss at home to struggling the Granotas. Levante established a lead with a well-worked move before adding two further goals in the second half to seal a convincing victory.
In other news, Los Blancos host significant must-win when they welcome Real Betis, after their arch-rivals increased their lead at the summit. Later on other game, Atlético Madrid travel to face La Real.
In France, a landmark Parisian clasico is scheduled as the newly-promoted side visit giants Paris Saint-Germain. This match marks the first top-flight meeting between the neighbors in decades, adding extra intrigue to the occasion.
