Napoli Hold Off The Biancocelesti in Tempestuous Contest Featuring Multiple Sendings-Off
Goals before the break from Leonardo Spinazzola and Amir Rrahmani delivered a 2-0 triumph for Napoli at the Stadio Olimpico in a match overshadowed by multiple sendings-off.
The win pushes Napoli to within a single point of Italian league pace-setters AC Milan, who won on Friday. Inter Milan hold third place but have a chance to go back to the summit with a win in their later match.
Control Despite Injury Woes
Despite missing a number of key players, the southern Italian side controlled the proceedings with measured attacks. The first goal came when Politano's cross was drilled home by Spinazzola at the far post.
The advantage was doubled in the first half as the defender powered a glancing header from another Politano set-piece into the bottom corner. They came close to a third shortly after when Elmas saw his effort rattle against the woodwork.
Flashpoints and Dismissals
After the break saw further worry for the visitors when a winger was forced off. The stoppage triggered a brief altercation, leading to yellow cards for Rrahmani and the home side's Noslin—who subsequently received a second yellow for a foul.
"I must congratulate the lads, performing with such a high standard of quality and physical strength without letting the opposition have control is difficult," stated the winning manager. "We played at a exceptional level of quality."
Tensions boiled over again late on as two opponents became involved in a fierce exchange, requiring the coach to intervene. The two players were dismissed for their part in the clash.
Elsewhere Continental Action
Over in La Liga, Sevilla endured a 3-0 defeat at home to struggling Levante. The visitors took control with a well-worked move before scoring two further goals in the second half to seal a comprehensive win.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos host significant must-win when they play Real Betis, after their arch-rivals extended their lead at the summit. In the day's other game, Atleti make the journey to face Real Sociedad.
In France, a historic capital clasico is scheduled as the newly-promoted side visit giants Paris Saint-Germain. This match represents the first top-flight meeting between the neighbors in decades, bringing extra spice to the weekend's action.
