Gli Azzurri Edge Lazio in Tempestuous Encounter With Three Dismissals
Goals before the break from Leonardo Spinazzola and Rrahmani earned a 2-0 triumph for Napoli at the Stadio Olimpico in a fixture overshadowed by multiple sendings-off.
The win pushes Napoli to within a single point of Italian league leaders Milan, who won on Friday. Inter hold third place but have a chance to go back to the summit with a win in their later fixture.
Control Amid Absences
Despite missing several key players, Napoli commanded the proceedings with measured attacks. The opener came when Politano's delivery was drilled home by Spinazzola at the back post.
The advantage was extended in the first half as the defender powered a header from another Politano set-piece into the net. Napoli went close to a third shortly after when Eljif Elmas saw his effort crash against the crossbar.
Flashpoints and Red Cards
After the break saw more worry for the visitors 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 yellow for a foul.
"I must congratulate the lads, playing with such a high standard of quality and physical strength without letting Lazio have control is not easy," remarked the winning head coach. "Our performance was at a exceptional level of quality."
Tensions boiled over again late on as two opponents became involved in a fierce confrontation, requiring the manager to intervene. The two players were dismissed for their involvement in the incident.
Other Continental Fixtures
In Spain's La Liga, Sevilla suffered a heavy loss at home to lowly the Granotas. Levante took control with a well-worked team goal before scoring two more strikes in the second half to complete a comprehensive victory.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos face major pressure when they play Betis, after their rivals extended their lead at the summit. Later on other match, Atleti make the journey to face La Real.
Turning to Ligue 1, a historic capital derby takes place as Paris FC visit powerhouses Paris Saint-Germain. The fixture marks the inaugural top-flight meeting between the two clubs in over 36 years, bringing extra intrigue to the weekend's action.
