Gli Azzurri Edge The Biancocelesti in Fiery Clash With Three Dismissals
First-half strikes from Leonardo Spinazzola and Amir Rrahmani earned a win for the visitors at the Stadio Olimpico in a fixture marred by multiple sendings-off.
The win moves Conte's side to just one point behind of Serie A pace-setters AC Milan, who won on Friday. Inter hold third place but have a chance to go back to the summit with a victory in their evening match.
Control Despite Absences
Despite missing a number of injured personnel, Napoli commanded the game with patient build-up play. The opener came when Politano's cross was drilled home by Spinazzola at the far post.
The advantage was extended in the first half as Rrahmani guided a header from a Politano free-kick into the net. Napoli came close to a third goal shortly after when Eljif Elmas saw his effort rattle against the crossbar.
Flashpoints and Red Cards
After the break saw more worry for the visitors when a player limped off. The stoppage triggered a brief confrontation, resulting in yellow cards for a Napoli defender and the home side's Tijjani Noslin—who subsequently received a second yellow for a challenge.
"My compliments to my players, performing with this level of quality and physical strength without letting the opposition have control is not easy," stated the winning head coach. "We played at a exceptional level of play."
Tensions boiled over again late on as two opponents were embroiled in a heated confrontation, requiring the coach to intervene. The two players were dismissed for their part in the clash.
Elsewhere Continental Action
Over in La Liga, Sevilla suffered a heavy loss at home to struggling the Granotas. Levante established a lead with a fine move before scoring two further strikes in the second period to seal a convincing victory.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos host significant pressure when they welcome Betis, after their rivals extended their advantage at the top. Later on late game, Atleti make the journey to face Real Sociedad.
In France, a landmark Parisian clasico takes place as the newly-promoted side face powerhouses Paris Saint-Germain. The fixture represents the first top-flight meeting between the two clubs in over 36 years, bringing extra spice to the occasion.
