Gli Azzurri Hold Off The Biancocelesti in Heated Contest With Three Sendings-Off
Early efforts from Spinazzola and Rrahmani earned a two-goal victory for Napoli at the Stadio Olimpico in a match marred by a trio of red cards.
This result propels Napoli to just one point behind of Serie A leaders Milan, who won on Friday. Inter occupy third place but can return to the summit with a win in their evening match.
Dominance Despite Injury Woes
Despite missing several key personnel, Napoli commanded the proceedings with measured attacks. The opener arrived when Matteo Politano's delivery was drilled home by the wing-back at the far post.
The advantage was doubled in the first half as the defender powered a header from another Politano set-piece into the bottom corner. Napoli came close to a third shortly after when Eljif Elmas watched his header crash against the woodwork.
Flashpoints and Red Cards
After the break brought further worry for the visitors when a player limped off. The stoppage sparked a brief altercation, leading to yellow cards for a Napoli defender and the home side's Noslin—who subsequently received a second caution for a foul.
"My compliments to my players, playing with such a high standard of quality and physical strength without letting Lazio have control is not easy," stated the winning head coach. "Our performance was at a exceptional level of play."
Tensions boiled over again near the end as players from both sides were embroiled in a heated confrontation, requiring the manager to step in. Both individuals were sent off for their involvement in the incident.
Other Continental Fixtures
Over in La Liga, Sevilla suffered a heavy loss at home to struggling the Granotas. The visitors took control with a well-worked team goal before adding two further goals in the second period to complete a comprehensive victory.
In other news, Los Blancos face significant pressure when they play Betis, after their arch-rivals extended their lead at the top. In the day's late game, Atleti travel to face Real Sociedad.
In France, a historic capital clasico takes place as Paris FC visit giants Paris Saint-Germain. The fixture represents the first top-flight meeting between the neighbors in decades, adding extra intrigue to the occasion.
