AC Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic (C) is challenged by Bologna's Diego Perez (R) during their Italian Serie A soccer match at the Dall'Ara stadium in Bologna December 11, 2011. [Photo/China Daily]
Udinese climbed to the top of Serie A after they beat Chievo 2-1 at home, while AC Milan were held to a 2-2 draw at Bologna on Sunday.
Antonio Di Natale, the talisman of the hosts, set his team to victory as he scored his tenth goal of the season midway through the second half and Dusan Basta doubled their lead 10 minutes from time.
Alberto Paloschi scored a consolation for Chievo in the 83rd minute, but Francesco Guidolin's side held on to move a point ahead of Juve, who have a game in hand, at the top of the table.
Udinese head coach Francesco Guidolin believed his side are living a magic moment which he hoped could carry on as long as possible.
"It's a magic moment that keeps on going, we hope for as long as possible," he said.
"We must experience what is happening right now with joy and a calm state of mind. It's wonderful looking at the table and it's an extraordinary period for us. Now we have to see how long it lasts," he said.
A controversial game at Bologna denied AC Milan the opportunity to join Udinese at the summit.
Marco Di Vaio put the hosts in front but an equalizer from the evergreen Clarence Seedorf and a Zlatan Ibrahimovic penalty looked to have turned the game around.
But Alessandro Diamanti levelled just two minutes later as Milan dropped two points behind new league leaders Udinese.
AC Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri hit out at the referee Gianluca Rocchi who made numerous dubious decisions during the 2-2 draw, including penalty appeals from both sides after the game.
