Udinese, Napoli leave Inter Milan behind

Milan, Oct 30 (DPA) Udinese and Napoli retained the lead in the Italian Serie A through respective wins against Catania and Reggina and left behind champions Inter Milan, who were held to a scoreless draw at Fiorentina.

Udinese beat hosting Catania 2-0 for a 20-point tally and a better goal difference than Napoli, who trounced Reggina 3-0 with a hat-trick from Argentinian German Denis Wednesday.

Next weekend Napoli visit Inter as the champions trail on 18, while AC Milan are now third after edging guests Siena 2-1 for a 19-point total.

In Florence, the hosts ended a run of four consecutive wins but kept up well with Inter, who had to settle for a second straight 0-0 draw.

Inter had their best opportunities when Brazilian Mancini hit the bar on five minutes and, after the break, through a good shot from the just-fielded Hernan Crespo, which was well saved by Sebastien Frey.

A Manuel Pasqual free kick in the 43rd minute forced a great save from Julio Cesar, and Riccardo Pazzini headed an inviting cross high with four minutes left.

“I think it was a difficult game,” Inter coach Jose Mourinho said. “I can say that no team risked much. We had good chances, but they also did. There were no goals, but it was a true, difficult game. I can only say good things about my men.”

Udinese had Chilean Alexis Sanchez and Fabio Quagliarella on target to clinch a win that marred the unbeaten home record of Catania.

The home crowd in Naples went wild over Denis’ hat-trick, as he fired home a great shot early in the game and added two easy lay-ins as the San Paolo had all its sectors open after a three-game disciplinary ban.

Lazio won 2-1 at Chievo to go level on 16 points with Genoa, who won 2-1 over 10-man Cagliari and trail Fiorentina by one point.

Giants Juventus snatched a 2-1 win at Bologna, Torino beat Atalanta 2-1, and Lecce were one man down as they drew 1-1 against Palermo, while Roma-Sampdoria was suspended after five minutes due to heavy rain.

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