Goals before the break from Spinazzola and Amir Rrahmani earned a 2-0 triumph for Napoli at Lazio in a fixture marred by multiple sendings-off.
The win moves Napoli to within a single point of Italian league pace-setters AC Milan, who prevailed on Friday. Inter Milan hold third place but can return to the top with a win in their evening fixture.
Hampered by the absence of a number of injured personnel, the southern Italian side commanded the game with measured attacks. The opener came when Politano's delivery was volleyed home by the wing-back at the back post.
The lead 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 goal shortly after when Elmas saw his effort crash against the woodwork.
After the break saw more worry for the away side when a winger limped off. The stoppage sparked a brief confrontation, leading to bookings for a Napoli defender and the home side's Noslin—who then received a second yellow for a foul.
"I must congratulate the lads, performing with this level of technical ability and intensity while preventing the opposition have control is not easy," stated the winning head coach. "Our performance was at a exceptional level of quality."
Tempers flared again near the end as players from both sides were embroiled in a fierce exchange, prompting the coach to step in. Both individuals were sent off for their involvement in the clash.
In Spain's La Liga, Sevilla endured a heavy loss at home to struggling the Granotas. The visitors established a lead with a well-worked move before adding two more strikes in the second period to seal a comprehensive win.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid face significant pressure when they play Betis, after their arch-rivals extended their advantage at the summit. Later on other match, Atleti travel to face Real Sociedad.
In France, a landmark Parisian derby takes place as Paris FC face giants Paris Saint-Germain. The fixture marks the inaugural top-flight meeting between the neighbors in over 36 years, adding extra intrigue to the weekend's action.
