Juventus stayed one point clear at the top of Italy's Serie A after edging Empoli 1-0 as title rivals Inter Milan ran out 2-0 winners against Udinese.

Juventus' hero was substitute Fabio Pecchia, who had only been on a few minutes for French midfielder Zinedine Zidane when he guided the ball past Empoli's keeper in the 70th minute.

Juve's villain was Alessio Tacchinardi, who was sent off a quarter of an hour from the end for elbowing and nearly jeopardised their bid for a second consecutive league title.

Inter were meanwhile saved by two late goals in the last 10 minutes from France's Youri Djorkaeff and Ronaldo. The breakthrough came in the 80th minute when Djorkaeff nodded home Brazilian Ze Elias' corner, and minutes later Udinese had goalkeeper Luigi Turci sent off for handling outside the area.

With coach Alberto Zaccheroni having already made his three substitutions, Argentinian midfielder Mauricio Pineda went between the posts. But he stood no chance against Ronaldo's 85th minute free-kick.

The Brazilian's 22nd goal of the season made him the top scorer in the Serie A, ahead of Bierhoff on 21, and lined up a battle royal next weekend when Inter go to Turin to face Juventus.

Meanwhile, third-placed Lazio went down 2-1 to Vicenza, whose winner was scored by Pasquale Luiso after Roberto Mancini had cancelled out Lamberto Zauli's opener for the beaten Cup Winners' Cup semi-finalists.