Napoli Edge The Biancocelesti in Tempestuous Encounter With Three Dismissals
Goals before the break from Leonardo Spinazzola and Amir Rrahmani secured a win for Napoli at Lazio in a fixture marred by multiple sendings-off.
The win moves Napoli to within a single point of Italian league pace-setters Milan, who prevailed on Friday. Inter Milan occupy third place but have a chance to go back to the top with a win in their later fixture.
Control Amid Injury Woes
Hampered by the absence of a number of key players, Napoli commanded the proceedings with patient build-up play. The opener came when Politano's delivery was volleyed home by Spinazzola at the far post.
The lead was extended in the first half as Rrahmani powered a glancing header from a Politano free-kick into the net. Napoli went close to a third shortly after when Eljif Elmas saw his header crash against the crossbar.
Tempers Flare and Red Cards
After the break brought more worry for the visitors when a winger was forced off. The stoppage triggered a short confrontation, resulting in yellow cards for Rrahmani and Lazio's Noslin—who then was shown a second yellow for a challenge.
"My compliments to the lads, performing with such a high standard of technical ability and physical strength without letting Lazio have control is not easy," remarked the triumphant manager. "Our performance was at a very high level of play."
Tempers boiled over again late on as two opponents were embroiled in a heated confrontation, requiring the manager to step in. The two players were shown red cards for their involvement in the incident.
Elsewhere Continental Fixtures
In Spain's La Liga, Sevilla endured a heavy loss at home to struggling Levante. The visitors established a lead with a fine move before scoring two more strikes in the second period to seal a convincing win.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos face major must-win when they play Betis, after their arch-rivals extended their advantage at the top. Later on late game, Atleti travel to face Real Sociedad.
In France, a landmark Parisian derby is scheduled as the newly-promoted side face powerhouses PSG. This match represents the inaugural top-flight meeting between the two clubs in decades, adding significant spice to the weekend's action.
