Gli Azzurri Overcome The Biancocelesti in Tempestuous Contest With Three Red Cards
Goals before the break from Leonardo Spinazzola and Amir Rrahmani earned a 2-0 triumph for the visitors at Lazio in a fixture marred by three dismissals.
Three points moves Napoli to just one point behind of Serie A pace-setters Milan, who prevailed on Friday. Inter hold third place but can return to the top with a win in their evening match.
Dominance Amid Injury Woes
Hampered by the absence of a number of key personnel, Napoli controlled the proceedings with patient build-up play. The opener came when Matteo Politano's delivery was drilled home by the wing-back at the far post.
The advantage was extended in the first half as Rrahmani powered a glancing header from a Politano free-kick into the bottom corner. They went close to a third shortly after when Eljif Elmas saw his effort crash against the woodwork.
Tempers Flare and Red Cards
The second half brought more worry for the away side when a winger limped off. The stoppage triggered a brief altercation, resulting in bookings for Rrahmani and the home side's Tijjani Noslin—who subsequently was shown a second caution for a foul.
"My compliments to my players, playing with this level of quality and physical strength while preventing Lazio have control is difficult," stated the triumphant head coach. "We played at a exceptional level of quality."
Tensions boiled over again late on as two opponents became involved in a fierce confrontation, prompting the coach to step in. Both individuals were sent off for their part in the clash.
Other European Action
In Spain's La Liga, the Andalusian side endured a heavy loss at home to struggling Levante. The visitors established a lead with a fine move before scoring two further strikes in the second half to complete a convincing win.
In other news, Los Blancos host major pressure when they play Betis, after their arch-rivals increased their advantage at the top. Later on other game, Atlético Madrid make the journey to face La Real.
Turning to Ligue 1, a landmark Parisian clasico is scheduled as the newly-promoted side visit powerhouses Paris Saint-Germain. The fixture represents the first top-flight encounter between the neighbors in over 36 years, adding significant intrigue to the occasion.
