The Partenopei Hold Off The Biancocelesti in Heated Encounter Featuring Three Sendings-Off
First-half strikes from Spinazzola and Amir Rrahmani delivered a 2-0 triumph for the visitors at Lazio in a match marred by a trio of red cards.
Three points moves Conte's side to just one point behind of Italian league pace-setters AC Milan, who won on Friday. Inter Milan hold third place but have a chance to go back to the top with a victory in their later fixture.
Control Amid Injury Woes
Despite missing a number of key personnel, Napoli commanded the game with patient attacks. The first goal came when Matteo Politano's delivery was drilled home by Spinazzola at the back post.
The lead was doubled in the first half as Rrahmani guided a header from another Politano free-kick into the bottom corner. They went close to a third shortly after when Eljif Elmas saw his header crash against the crossbar.
Flashpoints and Dismissals
After the break saw further worry for the visitors when a player limped off. This incident sparked a short altercation, resulting in bookings for Rrahmani and Lazio's Tijjani Noslin—who subsequently received a second caution for a challenge.
"I must congratulate the lads, performing with such a high standard of quality and intensity without letting the opposition have control is difficult," remarked the triumphant manager. "Our performance was at a exceptional level of quality."
Tempers flared again late on as players from both sides were embroiled in a heated confrontation, prompting the manager to step in. The two players were sent off for their part in the clash.
Other Continental Action
In Spain's La Liga, Sevilla endured a 3-0 defeat at home to lowly the Granotas. The visitors took control with a fine team goal before scoring two more strikes in the second period to seal a comprehensive victory.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid face significant must-win when they play Real Betis, after their rivals extended their lead at the top. In the day's late match, Atlético Madrid make the journey to face Real Sociedad.
Turning to Ligue 1, a historic Parisian clasico is scheduled as the newly-promoted side face powerhouses PSG. The fixture marks the inaugural top-flight meeting between the two clubs in over 36 years, bringing significant spice to the weekend's action.
