A thrilling 3-2 victory for Verona in the city derby last night saw surprise Italian first division leaders Chievo crash to only their second defeat in 10 outings in their debut Serie A season.

Verona overturned a 2-0 Chievo lead to inflict the second reverse of the season on Luigi del Neri's side whose previous setback at the hands of Juventus also came after they had led 2-0. Chievo's lead is now cut to a single point.

The only consolation for Chievo was that they remain top over Inter Milan, held 0-0 by champions AS Roma on Saturday.

Earlier strikers David Trezeguet and Alessandro Del Piero helped Juventus end a six-match domestic winless streak by beating Parma 3-1.

New AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti saw his side held to a 0-0 draw by Piacenza at the San Siro in his first league appearance since replacing sacked Turk Fatih Terim.

Lazio striker Hernan Crespo confirmed his return to form when he inspired his side's 4-1 win at nine-man Udinese.

On Saturday, champions AS Roma and Inter Milan drew 0-0 at the Olympic Stadium.

Meanwhile, a sixth-minute strike from midfielder Pablo helped Alaves to a 1-0 win over Celta Vigo yesterday lifting them to second place in the Spanish first division.

With Barcelona drawing 0-0 at Las Palmas on Saturday and Valencia also held to a goalless draw at home to Tenerife yesterday the Basque side moved ahead of their two rivals and are now two points adrift of leaders Deportivo Coruna.