Kakha Kaladze put the visitors in front but goals from Sergio Pellissier and Simone Tiribocchi consigned Milan to their third defeat of the season.

Milan's loss could see them eight points off the pace if Juventus win at third-placed Fiorentina on Sunday, while Chievo, who have only lost twice in the league, climbed to fifth.

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti must now try and raise the morale of his team for Tuesday's crunch Champions League clash against Schalke 04 at the San Siro where a defeat could see them eliminated from the competition.

Inter Milan are level on 29 points with Fiorentina in fourth place after scraping a 1-0 home win over Ascoli.

Brazilian striker Adriano scored the only goal in the 24th minute with a curling free-kick that clipped the underside of the bar before crossing the line.

Inter should have wrapped up the points much sooner, but Esteban Cambiasso and Obafemi Martins both missed easy chances.

In Verona, Pellissier shot into the side-netting before Milan took the lead in the 22nd minute.

Andrea Pirlo chipped a free-kick towards the edge of the six-yard box and Kaladze's diving header was superby saved by Chievo keeper Lorenzo Squizzo. However, the Georgian defender quickly got up off the floor to tuck home the rebound.

After Andriy Shevchenko went close to extending Milan's advantage, the home side were denied by the woodwork.

Marco Malago found space 20 yards from goal and his fierce right-footed drive struck the base of the post.

Chievo were rewarded for their persistence in first-half stoppage time with a clever move that caught the Milan defence napping.

Federico Giunti's chip was flicked on by David Mandelli and Pellissier nipped in ahead of Kaladze to bury a shot past Nelson Dida.

Tiribocchi came on for Brazilian striker Amauri in the 80th minute and Chievo were in front within seconds.

The 27-year-old substitute opened up the Milan defence after playing a quick one-two with Nigerian Victor Obinna before curling a right-footed past Dida.