Napoli keeps pace after stormy win over Lazio
First-half goals from Leonardo Spinazzola and Amir Rrahmani helped Napoli claim a 2-0 victory at Lazio in Serie A in a heated contest that featured three red cards.
Despite being hampered by the absence of a number of injured players, including Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Billy Gilmour, Napoli appeared largely in control as it patiently built its attacks.
Napoli seized control in the 14th minute when a teasing Matteo Politano cross drifted to the back post, where an unmarked Spinazzola fired a volley home to give the visitors the lead.
Antonio Conte's side underlined their dominance in the 32nd minute when a free-kick from Politano was floated into the box and Rrahmani headed into the bottom corner to double the visitors' lead.
Napoli came close to stretching its advantage just minutes later when Eljif Elmas rose to meet a delivery but his header crashed against the crossbar.
Napoli's injury concerns deepened in the second half when David Neres was seen limping off. The stoppage sparked a brief flashpoint between the two sides, ending with yellow cards for Rrahmani and Lazio’s Tijjani Noslin.
Lazio’s afternoon unravelled further in the 81st minute when Noslin was sent off for a clumsy challenge on Alessandro Buongiorno.
Tempers flared again minutes before full-time as Lazio’s Adam Marusic and Napoli’s Pasquale Mazzocchi became embroiled in a heated confrontation, prompting Napoli coach Antonio Conte to intervene in an attempt to separate the pair. Both players were subsequently shown red cards.
Conte was full of praise for his side after the bad-tempered win.
“When you have time to properly prepare for matches, you try to get the most out of your players and look for the areas where you can hurt the opposition,” Conte said.
“The application was exceptional.
“I have to congratulate the lads, playing with this level of technical ability and physical strength without letting Lazio play is not easy. We played a game of a very high level of quality.
“Maybe we’re lacking a bit of selfishness because we’re creating so much, but I’m really happy given what’s happened to us with all the injuries and absences.
“We’re showing great signs, the victories are coming against great teams who play with quality.
“Now we have to play every three days without much of a chance to rotate. We hope that we don’t have to pay for constantly using the same players.”
When asked about whether Napoli would be active in the January transfer window, Conte added: “I don’t touch on these topics. Last year I said let’s not do too much, and then we sold Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
“What we need is there for all to see. I have to be the coach and make the most out of what is given to me.
“I know that the demand on me is always very high. Along with the guys, we will try to do our best.”
