The Partenopei Overcome The Biancocelesti in Tempestuous Encounter With Three Sendings-Off
Early efforts from Spinazzola and Amir Rrahmani delivered a 2-0 triumph for Napoli at the Stadio Olimpico in a fixture marred by three dismissals.
The win moves Napoli to just one point behind of Serie A leaders Milan, who prevailed on Friday. Inter hold third place but have a chance to go back to the summit with a win in their evening match.
Control Amid Absences
Despite missing a number of injured personnel, the southern Italian side commanded the game with patient attacks. The opener came when Politano's delivery was drilled home by Spinazzola at the far post.
The lead was doubled in the first half as the defender powered a glancing header from a Politano free-kick into the net. Napoli went close to a third goal shortly after when Elmas watched his effort crash against the woodwork.
Tempers Flare and Dismissals
After the break brought more injury concern for the visitors when a winger limped off. The stoppage triggered a brief altercation, resulting in bookings for Rrahmani and Lazio's Noslin—who then was shown a second yellow for a foul.
"My compliments to my players, playing with this level of quality and physical strength while preventing the opposition play is not easy," stated the triumphant manager. "Our performance was at a exceptional level of quality."
Tempers flared again near the end as two opponents became involved in a fierce exchange, requiring the coach to step in. The two players were shown red cards for their part in the clash.
Elsewhere Continental Fixtures
In Spain's La Liga, Sevilla suffered a heavy loss at home to lowly the Granotas. Levante took control with a fine team goal before adding two more strikes in the second period to seal a comprehensive victory.
In other news, Real Madrid host significant must-win when they play Real Betis, after their arch-rivals increased their lead at the summit. Later on late game, Atlético Madrid travel to face La Real.
In France, a landmark Parisian derby takes place as Paris FC face powerhouses PSG. This match represents the first top-flight meeting between the two clubs in decades, bringing extra spice to the weekend's action.