Goals before the break from Leonardo Spinazzola and Amir Rrahmani earned a two-goal victory for Napoli at the Stadio Olimpico in a fixture overshadowed by multiple sendings-off.
The win moves Conte's side to within a single point of Serie A leaders Milan, who won on Friday. Inter hold third place but have a chance to go back to the summit with a victory in their later fixture.
Control Amid Absences
Despite missing a number of injured players, Napoli controlled the game with patient attacks. The opener arrived when Matteo Politano's cross was volleyed home by the wing-back at the back post.
The lead was extended in the first half as the defender guided a glancing header from a Politano set-piece into the bottom corner. Napoli came close to a third goal shortly after when Elmas watched his effort crash against the woodwork.
Flashpoints and Dismissals
After the break saw further worry for the away side when a winger was forced off. The stoppage triggered a short confrontation, resulting in yellow cards for Rrahmani and Lazio's Noslin—who subsequently was shown a second caution for a challenge.
"I must congratulate my players, playing with this level of technical ability and intensity without letting the opposition have control is difficult," remarked the triumphant head coach. "We played at a exceptional level of play."
Tensions boiled over again near the end as two opponents were embroiled in a fierce exchange, prompting the coach to intervene. The two players were sent off for their involvement in the clash.
Elsewhere European Action
Over in La Liga, the Andalusian side endured a 3-0 defeat at home to struggling Levante. Levante established a lead with a well-worked team goal before scoring two further strikes in the second period to complete a convincing victory.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid face major must-win when they welcome Betis, after their arch-rivals increased their lead at the summit. Later on other game, Atlético Madrid make the journey to face La Real.
In France, a landmark capital derby is scheduled as Paris FC visit powerhouses PSG. This match represents the inaugural top-flight meeting between the two clubs in decades, adding significant spice to the weekend's action.
