Italian champions Juventus took advantae of Inter’s surprise 2-1 defeat to Chieveo to move jointo topof Serie A, following their 2-1 win at Parma.
Juve join Inter on 45 points with early-pacesetters Milan trailing by two points in third after they were held 2-2 by fourth-placed Lazio.
A first-half headers from Marco Di Vaio, proving to be an able replacement for the injured Alessandro Del Piero, followed by a nother headed goal from Alessio Tacchinardi, gave Juventus a two-goal lead at the break and, although Parma reduced the deficit through a last minute goal from Adrian Mutu, the points were allready secured.
Former leaders Inter werestunned by Chievo on Saturday. conceding two penalties and being reduced to 10 men for the final hour of the game. Both spot-kicks were converted by Chievo skipper Eugenio Corini, while Inter had Turkish midfielder Okan Buruk sent-off for protesting the award of the secoond penalty.
Despite being a man down, Inter dominated the rest of the match, pulling a goal back through leading scorer Christian Vieri, but Chieveo, despite having Corini sent off in injury time, held on for a famous win.
Lazio produced an enterprising performance at third-placed Milan, deservedly taking the lead midway through the second-half Dejan Stankovicslotted home from close range.
Nine minutes later Lazio were 2-0 up after referee Pierluigi Collina pointed to the penalty spotafter Milan defender Alessandro Nesta pushed Corradi; Lopez fired home the resultant spot kick.
Milan fought back after the break, reducing the deficit when substitute Filippo Inzaghi beat Angelo Peruzzi from close range. Inzaghi then turned provider, setting up Rivaldo to stroke home the equaliser.
At the other end of the table, Piacenza climbed out of the relegation zone after beating Bologna 3-1, while Reggina easilt overcame fellow struggers Como4-1.