Italian Serie A leaders AC Milan crashed to a 1-0 defeat at Palermo Saturday to offer chasers Inter Milan a chance to draw closer ahead of a crucial city derby.
A goal from Romanian defender Dorin Goian closed Palermo's run of five straight defeats, sealing a first success for new coach Serse Cosmi on his third game after replacing Delio Rossi.
The Devils' slip-up followed a 1-1 home draw with bottom side Bari last weekend, when Inter squandered a great opportunity as they also drew 1-1 with strugglers Brescia.
On Sunday, the title holding Nerazzurri welcome minnows Lecce and can move to within two points of the top before a city derby set for April 2 after a pause for international games.
At the Renzo Barbera, Milan's defence napped on 10 minutes when Goian had the leisure to control the ball and beat Christian Abbiati from close range after two headers from his team-mates.
Chile forward Mauricio Pinilla had another effort saved by Abbiati as Milan felt the absence of their suspended star Zlatan Ibrahimovic and produced little with Antonio Cassano and Brazilian Pato in the first half.
Two shots from Frenchman Mathieu Flamini and Brazil substitute Robinho were Milan's first telling effort halfway through the second half, but hardly troubled Salvatore Sirigu as Palermo failed to convert four dangerous counter attacks into goals.
Earlier Saturday, Lazio edged minnows Cesena 1-0 with a goal from Mauro Zarate to stay in contention for a berth in next season's Champions League.
After losing 2-0 in a city derby with Roma, Lazio leapfrogged Udinese into fourth place to occupy the last available Champions League berth, which the Udine side can regain Sunday if they beat visiting Catania.
With nine games left, third-place Napoli trail Inter one point adrift when they close the weekend at home to Cagliari late Sunday.
A goal from Romanian defender Dorin Goian closed Palermo's run of five straight defeats, sealing a first success for new coach Serse Cosmi on his third game after replacing Delio Rossi.
The Devils' slip-up followed a 1-1 home draw with bottom side Bari last weekend, when Inter squandered a great opportunity as they also drew 1-1 with strugglers Brescia.
On Sunday, the title holding Nerazzurri welcome minnows Lecce and can move to within two points of the top before a city derby set for April 2 after a pause for international games.
At the Renzo Barbera, Milan's defence napped on 10 minutes when Goian had the leisure to control the ball and beat Christian Abbiati from close range after two headers from his team-mates.
Chile forward Mauricio Pinilla had another effort saved by Abbiati as Milan felt the absence of their suspended star Zlatan Ibrahimovic and produced little with Antonio Cassano and Brazilian Pato in the first half.
Two shots from Frenchman Mathieu Flamini and Brazil substitute Robinho were Milan's first telling effort halfway through the second half, but hardly troubled Salvatore Sirigu as Palermo failed to convert four dangerous counter attacks into goals.
Earlier Saturday, Lazio edged minnows Cesena 1-0 with a goal from Mauro Zarate to stay in contention for a berth in next season's Champions League.
After losing 2-0 in a city derby with Roma, Lazio leapfrogged Udinese into fourth place to occupy the last available Champions League berth, which the Udine side can regain Sunday if they beat visiting Catania.
With nine games left, third-place Napoli trail Inter one point adrift when they close the weekend at home to Cagliari late Sunday.
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