The Japan Times - Milan deny Roma top spot in Serie A, Inter beat Verona

Roma were hoping to move two points clear at the summit after reigning champions and leaders Napoli were held to a goalless draw on Saturday by Como.

But Pavlovic's strike and a late missed penalty from Paulo Dybala ensured Milan instead climbed into third place, level on points with both second-placed Inter and Roma, who dropped to fourth.

Napoli are a point ahead of that trio.

Massimiliano Allegri's Milan are still unbeaten since a surprise home loss to Cremonese on the opening day of the season.

Roma, targeting a first Scudetto since 2001 this term under new coach Gian Piero Gasperini, saw their 100-percent record on the road in the league ended.

Milan broke the deadlock in the 39th minute at the San Siro with a blistering counter-attack.

Marauding centre-back Pavlovic swept home Rafael Leao's pull-back from close range, just 17 seconds after Milan won the ball inside their own area.

Roma were given a chance to equalise with eight minutes remaining when Lorenzo Pellegrini's free-kick struck Youssouf Fofana's raised arm in the wall.

Dybala stepped up but saw his spot-kick pushed away by Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan as the hosts held on for a crucial win.

- Inter climb to second -

Inter Milan were handed a 2-1 win at Verona.

Winless so far this season, Verona fell behind in the 16th minute when Inter's Piotr Zielinski thundered home a volley from a poorly cleared corner.

Giovane levelled for Verona on 40 minutes.

It appeared the game would peter out during much of a second half played in relentless rain, until a late cross from Nicolo Barella was turned agonisingly into his own net by Verona defender Martin Frese three minutes into added time.

"It was one of those matches that's easier to lose than win but we did okay, we showed character," said Inter coach Cristian Chivu.

Struggling Fiorentina lost 1-0 at home to Lecce and remain winless from 10 Serie A games, while Torino and Pisa drew 2-2.

Fiorentina have not been relegated since being promoted from Serie B in 2004.

On Saturday, Luciano Spalletti made a winning start to life as Juventus coach as his new team beat Cremonese 2-1, despite a late goal for Jamie Vardy.

K.Hashimoto--JT