Napoli Overcome The Biancocelesti in Tempestuous Encounter With Three Dismissals
First-half strikes from Leonardo Spinazzola and Amir Rrahmani earned a 2-0 triumph for the visitors at the Stadio Olimpico in a fixture marred by multiple sendings-off.
Three points propels Conte's side to within a single point of Italian league leaders Milan, who prevailed on Friday. Inter Milan hold third place but can return to the top with a win in their evening fixture.
Control Amid Absences
Despite missing several injured personnel, the southern Italian side controlled the proceedings with measured build-up play. The opener came when Politano's delivery was volleyed home by Spinazzola at the back post.
The lead was extended in the first half as Rrahmani guided a header from another Politano set-piece into the bottom corner. They went close to a third shortly after when Elmas saw his effort rattle against the woodwork.
Tempers Flare and Dismissals
The second half saw more injury concern for the away side when a winger was forced off. This incident sparked a short altercation, resulting in yellow cards for a Napoli defender and the home side's Tijjani Noslin—who subsequently was shown a second caution for a challenge.
"My compliments to my players, playing with such a high standard of technical ability and physical strength without letting the opposition have control is difficult," stated the winning manager. "Our performance was at a exceptional level of quality."
Tempers boiled over again late on as players from both sides became involved in a heated exchange, requiring the manager 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 took control with a well-worked move before adding two more goals in the second period to seal a convincing win.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid face major pressure when they welcome Real Betis, after their rivals increased their advantage at the summit. In the day's late match, Atlético Madrid make the journey to face Real Sociedad.
In France, a landmark capital derby is scheduled as the newly-promoted side visit giants Paris Saint-Germain. This match marks the first top-flight encounter between the neighbors in decades, bringing extra intrigue to the weekend's action.
