Cruz control gives Inter late lift

Headed goal
Defending champions Inter had looked set for a frustrating afternoon as the team placed second in the standings before the game began held firm. Udinese could even have taken the lead themselves, with Antonio Floro Flores firing straight at goalkeeper Júlio César after a fine run early in the second half. Soon afterwards, Zlatan Ibrahimović lashed the ball over following an error from the visitors' No1 Samir Handanovič, but the Slovenian international quickly atoned with saves from Ibrahimović and Esteban Cambiasso, before Javier Zanetti struck a post with three minutes remaining. Just as it seemed Inter would never score, though, Cruz headed in from close range in added time.

Esposito leveller
Another late goal involving a Milan side ended a four-game winning streak for the Rossoneri, who appeared set for victory after Ronaldinho had slid in Pato's cutback with eleven minutes left to play at Lecce. Andrea Esposito had other ideas, however, and headed in from a free-kick during stoppage time to halt the Milanese advance. Carlo Ancelotti's charges now lie a point back from Inter and level with SSC Napoli, who had goals from Daniele Mannini in the 22nd minute and Marcelo Zalayeta with quarter of an hour left to thank for a 2-0 triumph at home against UC Sampdoria. Fourth-placed Lazio fared even better, as a 57th-minute Mauro Zárate opener and two late strikes from Tommaso Rocchi sealed a 3-0 victory over AC Siena in the Italian capital.

Milito treble
Claudio Ranieri's Juventus also had cause to celebrate, courtesy of a 2-0 success at struggling AC Chievo Verona, with evergreen striker Alessandro Del Piero breaking the deadlock on 40 minutes – following his UEFA Champions League double in midweek – and Vincenzo Iaquinta making sure of the Bianconeri's fourth consecutive Serie A win eight minutes after the break. They remain sixth while Genoa CFC stay one spot below, despite a Diego Milito hat-trick in a healthy 4-0 triumph over basement outfit Reggina Calcio. Elsewhere, ACF Fiorentina overcame Atalanta BC 2-1 in Florence and Calcio Catania beat visitors Cagliari Calcio by the same scoreline.