Gli Azzurri Overcome Lazio in Fiery Clash With Multiple Sendings-Off
Goals before the break from Leonardo Spinazzola and Amir Rrahmani secured a two-goal victory for the visitors at the Stadio Olimpico in a fixture overshadowed by three dismissals.
Three points propels Conte's side 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 top with a victory in their later match.
Control Despite Absences
Despite missing a number of injured personnel, the southern Italian side commanded the proceedings with patient build-up play. The first goal arrived when Matteo Politano's cross was volleyed home by Spinazzola at the back post.
The lead was doubled in the 32nd minute as the defender guided a glancing header from a Politano free-kick into the bottom corner. They went close to a third shortly after when Elmas watched his header rattle against the woodwork.
Flashpoints and Red Cards
The second half saw further worry for the visitors when a winger limped off. The stoppage sparked a short altercation, resulting in yellow cards for a Napoli defender and Lazio's Tijjani Noslin—who subsequently was shown a second yellow for a foul.
"My compliments to the lads, performing with such a high standard of technical ability and intensity while preventing the opposition play is not easy," remarked the winning manager. "Our performance was at a very high level of play."
Tensions flared again late on as two opponents were embroiled in a fierce exchange, requiring the coach to step in. The two players were dismissed for their involvement in the incident.
Elsewhere Continental Action
Over in La Liga, Sevilla suffered a heavy loss at home to lowly the Granotas. Levante established a lead with a fine move before adding two more strikes in the second period to complete a convincing victory.
In other news, Los Blancos host major must-win when they play Betis, after their arch-rivals increased their lead at the summit. In the day's late game, Atleti make the journey to face La Real.
Turning to Ligue 1, a landmark capital clasico takes place as the newly-promoted side face powerhouses PSG. The fixture marks the first top-flight meeting between the neighbors in decades, bringing significant intrigue to the weekend's action.
