Inter Milan claim Serie A lead following Napoli champions slip

Inter Milan rose to the summit of Serie A on Sunday courtesy of a 2-1 victory over Genoa combined with stumbles from their main challengers.

The chance to lead emerged after AC Milan drew 2-2 with Sassuolo and title holders Napoli lost 1-0 to Udinese earlier that day.

Inter seized the moment against Genoa with strikes in each half from defender Yann Bisseck of Germany and skipper Lautaro Martinez.

Vitinha the Portuguese striker pulled one back for Genoa in the 68th minute creating tension until the end yet Inter clung on to lead Milan by one point with Napoli trailing by two in third place.

We displayed resilience in a tough encounter these three points prove vital remarked Inter manager Cristian Chivu.

Prior to that Napoli missed out on topping the standings as their three game league streak ended abruptly.

Even with two strikes ruled out Udinese dominated via Jurgen Ekkelenkamps crucial 73rd minute effort.

A depleted Napoli side will rue the lost chance to lead after AC Milans earlier lapse.

Manager Antonio Conte praised his team stating I have no criticisms for them.

In our current crisis they are exerting full effort they simply require greater determination and edge.

Heading into the round Napoli and Milan shared points the Lombards ahead via better goal difference.

Milan must enhance performance

In the Milan clash Sassuolos French attacker Armand Lauriente levelled in the 77th minute after Ismael Kone had opened the scoring early.

Milan responded with Davide Bartesaghi tying it up past the half hour mark.

The young 19 year old defender notched again post interval from a narrow position only for Lauriente to earn visitors a draw.

We delivered a solid performance said Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri.

Some may view it as two points lost I see it as a valuable gain that might count later he noted to DAZN.

We must work on defence as we are shipping too many goals yet securing top four aligns with our season goals.

In the evenings fixture Juan Cabal netted the lone goal propelling Juventus to fifth via a 1-0 triumph at Bologna who ended a man down following Norwegian Torbjorn Heggs red card.

The win positions Juve one point shy of Roma who face Como on Monday for the last Champions League spot.

AC Milan Inter Bologna and Napoli sit out league duties next weekend competing in the Italian Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.