The Partenopei Edge The Biancocelesti in Heated Clash With Multiple Dismissals
Early efforts from Spinazzola and Rrahmani earned a 2-0 triumph for the visitors at Lazio in a match marred by a trio of red cards.
The win pushes Conte's side to within a single point of Italian league leaders AC Milan, who won on Friday. Inter occupy third place but can return to the summit with a victory in their evening match.
Dominance Despite Injury Woes
Despite missing a number of key players, Napoli controlled the proceedings with patient attacks. The opener came when Matteo Politano's cross was drilled home by Spinazzola at the far post.
The advantage was extended in the 32nd minute as Rrahmani guided a glancing header from another Politano set-piece into the net. Napoli went close to a third shortly after when Elmas watched his effort rattle against the crossbar.
Flashpoints and Dismissals
The second half saw more injury concern for the away side when a player was forced off. This incident triggered a short confrontation, resulting in bookings for a Napoli defender and the home side's Noslin—who then was shown a second caution for a challenge.
"I must congratulate the lads, playing with this level of technical ability and intensity without letting Lazio play is not easy," remarked the winning head coach. "Our performance was at a exceptional level of quality."
Tempers flared again near the end as players from both sides were embroiled in a heated exchange, requiring the coach to step in. The two players were sent off for their involvement in the incident.
Elsewhere European Action
Over in La Liga, the Andalusian side suffered a 3-0 defeat at home to struggling Levante. Levante established a lead with a well-worked move before scoring two more strikes in the second period to complete a convincing victory.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid host major must-win when they play Real Betis, after their arch-rivals extended their advantage at the summit. In the day's late match, Atleti travel to face La Real.
In France, a landmark capital clasico takes place as the newly-promoted side face giants Paris Saint-Germain. The fixture represents the inaugural top-flight encounter between the two clubs in over 36 years, bringing extra intrigue to the occasion.
