Gli Azzurri Edge The Biancocelesti in Heated Contest With Multiple Dismissals
First-half strikes from Spinazzola and Amir Rrahmani secured a two-goal victory for the visitors at the Stadio Olimpico in a match marred by a trio of red cards.
Three points pushes Conte's side to within a single point of Italian league pace-setters Milan, who won on Friday. Inter hold third place but can return to the summit with a win in their evening fixture.
Control Despite Injury Woes
Despite missing several injured players, the southern Italian side controlled the proceedings with measured build-up play. The first goal came when Matteo Politano's delivery was drilled home by Spinazzola at the far post.
The advantage was extended in the 32nd minute as the defender guided a header from another Politano set-piece into the bottom corner. Napoli came close to a third shortly after when Eljif Elmas watched his header rattle against the crossbar.
Flashpoints and Red Cards
The second half brought more injury concern for the visitors when a winger limped off. The stoppage sparked a brief altercation, resulting in yellow cards for Rrahmani and the home side's Tijjani Noslin—who subsequently was shown a second caution for a foul.
"I must congratulate my players, performing with this level of technical ability and intensity while preventing the opposition play is difficult," remarked the winning head coach. "Our performance was at a exceptional level of play."
Tempers boiled over again late on as players from both sides became involved in a heated exchange, prompting the coach to intervene. Both individuals were dismissed for their part in the clash.
Other Continental Fixtures
In Spain's La Liga, the Andalusian side suffered a 3-0 defeat at home to struggling the Granotas. Levante took control with a fine team goal before scoring two more goals in the second half to seal a comprehensive victory.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid face major must-win when they play Real Betis, after their rivals extended their advantage at the summit. In the day's other game, Atleti make the journey to face Real Sociedad.
Turning to Ligue 1, a historic Parisian derby is scheduled as the newly-promoted side face powerhouses Paris Saint-Germain. The fixture represents the first top-flight meeting between the neighbors in over 36 years, bringing significant intrigue to the occasion.
