ROME: AC Milan crashed 3-1 at Palermo on Sunday to hand city rivals and reigning champions Inter Milan a six-point lead at the top of the Serie A table following their 2-1 success over Napoli.

Milan remain third on goal difference behind Juventus who beat Reggina 4-0 on Saturday in a match which saw veteran Italian striker Alessandro Del Piero hit his 250th goal for the club.

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti (right) tried to look on the bright side despite the defeat.

"After three months of good results I wouldn't say this defeat is welcome but it is useful," he said.

Palermo dominated for an hour but Milan had the better chances of the first half.
Home goalkeeper Marco Amelia saved a Ronaldinho penalty on 27 minutes after he had clattered into Pato.

Five minutes into the second period Fabrizio Miccoli faked to shoot on the edge of the box, made space and then curled a right-footer around Christian Abbiati.

Just before the hour mark Fabio Liverani chipped the ball into the area and Brazilian forward Edison Cavani rose above Paolo Maldini to head home.

Brazilian Simplicio was left completely unmarked in the box to head in the third 10 minutes from time from a Federico Balzaretti cross.

Ronaldinho scored a consolation from the spot seven minutes from time after he was brought down by Cesare Bovo.

Napoli remain fourth as a host of teams failed to capitalise on their slip up.

One of those was Fiorentina who went down 1-0 to resurgent AS Roma through a goal from captain Francesco Totti just before the hour mark.

Lazio lost 2-0 at Atalanta, Genoa drew 1-1 at home to Bologna and 10-man Udinese fell 1-0 at home to rock bottom Chievo.