Gli Azzurri Hold Off Lazio in Fiery Contest With Three Red Cards
Goals before the break from Leonardo Spinazzola and Amir Rrahmani earned a two-goal victory for Napoli at Lazio in a fixture overshadowed by three dismissals.
The win propels Napoli to just one point behind of Serie A pace-setters AC Milan, who won on Friday. Inter hold third place but can return to the summit with a win in their evening fixture.
Dominance Amid Absences
Despite missing several key personnel, Napoli commanded the proceedings with patient attacks. The first goal arrived when Matteo Politano's delivery was volleyed home by Spinazzola at the far post.
The lead was extended in the first half as Rrahmani guided a glancing header from another Politano set-piece into the bottom corner. Napoli came close to a third goal shortly after when Eljif Elmas watched his effort crash against the crossbar.
Flashpoints and Red Cards
The second half saw more worry for the visitors when a player limped off. The stoppage triggered a short confrontation, leading to yellow cards for a Napoli defender and Lazio's Tijjani Noslin—who subsequently received a second caution for a challenge.
"My compliments to the lads, performing with this level of quality and intensity while preventing Lazio have control is not easy," remarked the triumphant head coach. "We played at a exceptional level of play."
Tempers boiled over again late on as players from both sides were embroiled in a fierce exchange, requiring the coach to step in. The two players were dismissed for their involvement in the incident.
Elsewhere European Action
In Spain's La Liga, the Andalusian side suffered a heavy loss at home to struggling Levante. Levante established a lead with a fine move before adding two further goals in the second half to complete a comprehensive win.
In other news, Real Madrid face major pressure when they welcome Betis, after their arch-rivals extended their lead at the top. Later on other game, Atlético Madrid make the journey to face La Real.
In France, a historic capital clasico takes place as the newly-promoted side face giants PSG. The fixture represents the first top-flight encounter between the two clubs in decades, bringing extra spice to the occasion.