Napoli Hold Off Lazio in Fiery Encounter With Three Sendings-Off
Goals before the break from Leonardo Spinazzola and Amir Rrahmani delivered a 2-0 triumph for Napoli at Lazio in a fixture overshadowed by multiple sendings-off.
Three points pushes Napoli to just one point behind of Serie A leaders Milan, who prevailed on Friday. Inter Milan occupy third place but have a chance to go back to the top with a victory in their later match.
Dominance Amid Injury Woes
Despite missing several injured personnel, Napoli controlled the proceedings with measured attacks. The first goal arrived when Politano's cross was drilled home by the wing-back at the back post.
The advantage was doubled in the first half as the defender powered a glancing header from another Politano free-kick into the bottom corner. They came close to a third shortly after when Elmas saw his header rattle against the woodwork.
Flashpoints and Red Cards
After the break saw further worry for the visitors when a player limped off. This incident triggered a brief altercation, resulting in yellow cards for a Napoli defender and the home side's Noslin—who subsequently received a second caution for a challenge.
"I must congratulate my players, playing with such a high standard of technical ability and intensity while preventing Lazio have control is difficult," remarked the triumphant manager. "We played at a very high 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 shown red cards for their part in the incident.
Other Continental Action
In Spain's La Liga, Sevilla suffered a heavy loss at home to lowly Levante. The visitors established a lead with a well-worked move before adding two more strikes in the second period to seal a convincing win.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid host major pressure when they play Real Betis, after their arch-rivals extended their advantage at the top. In the day's other match, Atleti travel to face La Real.
Turning to Ligue 1, a landmark Parisian derby takes place as the newly-promoted side visit giants Paris Saint-Germain. This match represents the inaugural top-flight meeting between the two clubs in over 36 years, bringing extra intrigue to the occasion.
