Defending champions Juventus moved to within a point of league leaders Inter following their impressive 2-1 victory over Milan in Serie A’s match of the weekend.

Juventus raced into an early two goal lead through Marco Di Viao and defender Lilian Thuram, before the Milan side pulled one back through an Andrea Pirlo penalty.

Juventus Coach, Marcello Lippi, praised his side’s performance.

“Great champions have only one characteristic – to prove themselves better than their best adversaries and that is what my team did tonight. I am delighted with this result – but the season is long.”

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti was downhearted after the defeat but attempted to focus on the positives:

“This is definitely a step back for us bus these things happen and Juventus did play very well,’ admitted Ancelotti.

‘We tried a different approach after the break, using the wings more and looking to get more crosses in but Juve defended very well.”

Juventus solid performance ensured they closed the gap at the top to a single point following Inter’s surprise defeat by improving Udinese.

Christian Vieri opened the scoring at the San Siro, but goals from Danish international Martin Jorgensen and Roberto Muzzi, captured the points, despite a late assault on the visiting goal.

Lazio slipped to fifth place following their disappointing 0-0 draw with Parma. The financially troubled club were left to rue a 25th minute penalty miss by Yugoslav international Sinisa Mihajlovic. The Rome based side were also reduced to 10 men shortly before half-time following midfielder Fabio Liverani’s dismissal for dissent.

Lazio’s slip, enabled last season’s surprise package Chievo Verona to move into fourth place. Chievo’ s impressive form continued as they destroyed bottom-placed Atalanta by 4-1.

Roma’s unimpressive start to the season continued as they were held 1-1 by Piacenza. A knee injury to talismanic forward Francesco Totti cannot have helped Fabio Capello’s mood.

Roma now lie seventh, seven points behind leaders Inter.

Bologna kept up the pace on those above them with a 1-0 win over Como thanks to Guiseppe Signori’s 75th minute penalty