AC Milan opened up a three-point lead over Serie A title rivals Juventus after defeating Sampdoria 1-0 for their seventh consecutive league victory.

　　Brazilian midfielder Kaka scored the winner for the reigning champions, escaping his marker to head home Andrea Pirlo’s pinpoint cross in the 65th minute.

　　Milan’s win came at a heavy price though, with defenders Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Nesta limping off in the first half.

　　Juventus can rejoin Milan at the top of the table if they win at Chievo in Sunday’s late match in Verona.

　　Udinese improved their chances of claiming a Champions League place next season by snatching fifth place from Palermo with a 5-1 win over the Sicilians.

　　Cagliari boosted their hopes of claiming a UEFA Cup place by beating Roma 3-0.

　　In other matches, bottom club Atalanta edged fellow strugglers Parma 1-0, Bologna drew 1-1 with Siena, Livorno beat relegation-threatened Brescia 3-2 and Messina won 2-1 at local rivals Reggina.