The Partenopei Overcome The Biancocelesti in Heated Contest With Three Red Cards
Early efforts from Spinazzola and Rrahmani earned a win for Napoli at the Stadio Olimpico in a match marred by a trio of red cards.
This result pushes Napoli to within a single point of Serie A pace-setters AC Milan, who won on Friday. Inter occupy third place but have a chance to go back to the top with a victory in their later match.
Dominance Despite Absences
Despite missing several injured personnel, Napoli commanded the game with patient attacks. The opener came when Politano's cross was drilled home by the wing-back 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 net. Napoli came close to a third shortly after when Elmas watched his header crash against the woodwork.
Tempers Flare and Red Cards
The second half brought more injury concern for the away side when a winger limped off. The stoppage triggered a brief confrontation, leading to bookings for Rrahmani and Lazio's Tijjani Noslin—who subsequently was shown a second caution for a foul.
"I must congratulate the lads, playing with such a high standard of quality and intensity while preventing Lazio play is difficult," remarked the triumphant head coach. "We played at a very high level of play."
Tensions flared again late on as players from both sides were embroiled in a fierce exchange, prompting the coach to step in. The two players were sent off for their involvement in the clash.
Elsewhere European Action
Over in La Liga, the Andalusian side suffered a heavy loss at home to struggling Levante. Levante established a lead with a well-worked team goal before scoring two further goals in the second half to seal a comprehensive win.
In other news, Los Blancos face significant pressure when they play Betis, after their rivals increased their lead at the top. Later on late game, Atleti travel to face La Real.
Turning to Ligue 1, a historic Parisian clasico takes place as the newly-promoted side visit powerhouses Paris Saint-Germain. The fixture marks the first top-flight encounter between the two clubs in decades, bringing significant spice to the occasion.