The Partenopei Overcome The Biancocelesti in Heated Clash With Three Dismissals
Goals before the break from Leonardo Spinazzola and Rrahmani secured a win for Napoli at the Stadio Olimpico in a match marred by a trio of red cards.
Three points propels Napoli to within a single point of Serie A pace-setters AC Milan, who won on Friday. Inter occupy third place but have a chance to go back to the top with a win in their later fixture.
Dominance Despite Absences
Despite missing several injured players, Napoli commanded the proceedings with patient attacks. The first goal came when Matteo Politano's cross was drilled home by the wing-back at the back post.
The lead was extended in the 32nd minute as the defender guided a glancing header from another Politano set-piece into the net. They went close to a third shortly after when Elmas saw his effort crash against the crossbar.
Tempers Flare and Red Cards
After the break brought further worry for the away side when a player limped off. This incident triggered a short confrontation, resulting in yellow cards for a Napoli defender and Lazio's Noslin—who subsequently received a second caution for a challenge.
"I must congratulate my players, performing with such a high standard of quality and intensity without letting Lazio have control is difficult," remarked the winning manager. "Our performance was at a very high level of quality."
Tempers flared again late on as two opponents were embroiled in a fierce exchange, requiring the manager to step in. The two players were shown red cards for their involvement in the incident.
Elsewhere European Fixtures
Over in La Liga, Sevilla suffered a heavy loss at home to struggling Levante. Levante established a lead with a fine team goal before scoring two more goals in the second period to complete a convincing victory.
In other news, Real Madrid host significant pressure when they play Betis, after their rivals extended their lead at the top. In the day's late match, Atleti make the journey to face La Real.
Turning to Ligue 1, a historic Parisian derby is scheduled as the newly-promoted side face giants PSG. The fixture represents the inaugural top-flight meeting between the two clubs in over 36 years, bringing significant intrigue to the weekend's action.
