Juventus moved within a point of the leading two at the weekend with a second half strike by midfielder Enzo Maresca notching up a 1-0 victory over Reggina.
Roma endured a goalless encounter away at bottom of the league Ancona, whilst Andriy Shevchenko’s 17th league goal of the season was not enough to extend Milan’s winning un to eight matches as they were held 1-1 by Lecce. A bending free kick by Lecce’s Ernesto Javier Chevaton had given the home side a shock lead before Schevchenko levelled but the Serie A leaders had to settle for a point.
Elsewhere Lazio defeated relegation threatened Empoli, and Parma moved up level on points with Inter.
Udinese took the points at the San Siro with goals scored by Gianpiero Pinzi and Dino Fava. The defeat was another blow to Inter who were knocked out the Coppa Italia on penalties by Juve last Thursday.
They will hope to overcome the fatigue coach Zaccheroni cited as his justification to alternate his strike force ahead of next week’s Milan derby.
Lippi’s Juventus remained in third spot after a 50th minute strike by Enzo Maresca.
Lazio who meet Juve in the Coppa Italia final won at home with an all round team effort with three defenders scored the decisive goals.
Coach Mancini praised the opposition as well as his own players.
“The score can make people think that it was an easy match but during the first half they made things very difficult for us and the boys had to play very well to overcome them,” said Mancini.
The important goals from Parma were scored by Alberto Gilardino and Mark Bresciano after Siena’s veteran striker Enrico Chiesa had given the home side a 1-0 half time advantage. Goalkeeper Sebastian Frey was the hero with a superb save to deny Chiesa when the score was level.
Meanwhile near the bottom Perugia lost 2-0 at home to ninth placed Chievo. Both of the other weekend’s results were 1-1 draws. They saw Bologna host Modena, and Sampdoria visit Brescia.
