Serie A pendulum swings again

By Paolo Corradini

Clarence Seedorf's fifth goal of the season proved enough for AC Milan to defeat AC Chievo Verona 1-0 and move level on points at the top of Serie A with Juventus FC, who suffered an unexpected 1-0 home defeat at the hands of FC Internazionale Milano.

Juve slip
Juventus had opened up a three-point lead at the top at the weekend as Milan lost to AC Siena, but a 24th-minute goal from striker Julio Cruz proved decisive at the Stadio Delle Alpi and gave Inter's city neighbours the chance to join the Turin team on 70 points. Carlo Ancelotti's side duly seized their opportunity, with a Seedorf goal midway through the second half proving enough at the San Siro.

Sampdoria setback
Third-placed UC Sampdoria were held to a 1-1 draw at Parma FC, Albertino Gilardino's 17th goal of the season cancelling out Andrea Gasbarroni's earlier effort. Udinese Calcio, in fourth, missed the chance to close in on Sampdoria as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home against AS Livorno Calcio. Despite taking an early lead through Stefano Mauri, a Cristiano Lucarelli effort four minutes from time saw Livorno taking a share of the points.

Palermo held
US Città di Palermo remain fifth after being held to a 3-3 home draw against struggling Brescia Calcio. Two goals from Luca Toni and one from Christian Terlizzi seemed to have earned the Sicilian side three important points, but Brescia restored parity with six minutes left thanks to a goal from Andrea Caracciolo.

Siena rising
Massimo Maccarone and Enrico Chiesa were on target as AC Siena earned an important win at AS Roma that lifted them out of the relegation zone. Roma's captain Francesco Totti was sent off in the second half. And ACF Fiorentina were held to a 1-1 draw against FC Messina Peloro to remain third from bottom, with a goal from substitute Arturo Di Napoli five minutes into added time cancelling out Fiorentina defender Dario Dainelli's earlier effort. Fiorentina's Christian Maggio and Messina's Marco Zoro were sent off after the final whistle.

Lazio leave it late
SS Lazio remain seventh and were thankful for a point as a late goal from defender Sebastiano Siviglia cancelled out Mauro Esposito's opener for Cagliari Calcio, while US Lecce drew 1-1 with Bologna FC 1-1 to remain five points clear of the relegation zone. Bottom side Atalanta BC were held to a goalless draw at Reggina Calcio.