Milan went top of Serie A for the first time this season after an own goal from German Denis four minutes from time sealed a 1-0 home win over 10-man Napoli last night.

The Argentine headed in Ronaldinho's free-kick moments after goalkeeper Gennaro Iezzo had saved Kaka's penalty as Napoli were forced to defend following the dismissal of Christian Maggio just before the break.

Milan have 22 points, one ahead of Udinese, who are joint second with Inter having earlier grabbed a 2-2 draw at home to Genoa.

The club from the north-eastern town of Udine took an early lead but then let Genoa take control before Italy forward Fabio Quagliarella netted with a clever flick 12 minutes from time.

Like Udinese, Inter have 21 points from 10 games after winning 3-2 at bottom side Reggina on Saturday thanks to Ivan Cordoba's stoppage time goal.

Fiorentina, without the suspended Alberto Gilardino, slipped back after allowing midfielder Houssine Kharja to head in a corner and give Siena a 1-0 win in the Tuscan derby.

Lazio climbed up to fifth after Pasquale Foggia's goal five minutes from the end sealed a deserved 1-0 win over fast-sinking Catania, who had been among the early pacesetters.

In another standout game, Cagliari beat Bologna 5-1 to leave the promoted side's coach Daniele Arrigoni clinging to his job.

Udinese, seventh last season under highly-rated coach Pasquale Marino, took a risk in leaving tired Italy forwards Antonio Di Natale and Quagliarella on the bench but were soon in front through Gaetano D'Agostino's penalty.

Attack-minded Genoa pushed hard for an equaliser and deservedly levelled when Diego Milito netted a spot kick before Giuseppe Sculli's fierce strike put them ahead midway through the second half.

Quagliarella had the last word, however, as regular UEFA Cup campaigners Udinese, one of the best run clubs in Italy, continue to show that success can be achieved without a vast budget.