Ruben Olivera's first-half strike and an Alessandro Del Piero penalty secured a 2-1 victory at bottom club Atalanta, while second-placed AC Milan suffered their second straight league defeat, losing 1-0 at home to Bologna.

Milan's disappointment of losing further ground to their championship rivals was compounded by an injury to Ukranian striker Andriy Shevchenko, who limped off in the 38th minute with an injury to his right ankle.

The 2004 European Footballer of the Year, who has scored 13 league goals this season, came off worst after a challenge from Alessandro Gamberini and is expected to miss Wednesday's match at Messina.

Juventus have 50 points from their 21 matches played, while AC Milan have 42, five more than city rivals Inter Milan who claimed third place courtesy of a 2-0 win at Palermo where Christian Vieri grabbed both goals.

Roma climbed to fifth behind Udinese after fighting back from two goals down to beat Messina 3-2 at the Olympic Stadium, strengthening their push for a Champions League place next season. Brazilian Amantino Mancini scored a dramatic late winner with a superb solo effort.

Sampdoria fell one place to sixth after drawing 1-1 at home to relegation-threatened Siena, while Lecce won 1-0 at struggling Brescia.