German Denis' late own goal gifted AC Milan a 1-0 victory at home to Napoli on Sunday night and sent them top of Serie A.

Denis headed Ronaldinho's free-kick into his own net with three minutes remaining - and just two minutes after Kaka had seen his penalty saved by Gennaro Iezzo.

It was a bitter pill to swallow for Napoli who had looked like holding on for a point despite playing the entire second half with 10 men after the 44th-minute sending off of Cristian Maggio.

After losing their opening two games of the season, Milan have now won their last four - and conceded just one goal in their last six - to lead the standings by a point.

Napoli slipped to fourth, two points behind their opponents, with the loss.

Udinese are second, ahead of Internazionale on goal difference, after a fine performance by goalkeeper Samir Handanovic helped them earn a 2-2 draw against Genoa at the Stadio Friuli.

The hosts made the perfect start when Gaetano D'Agostino fired them in front from the penalty spot in the fourth minute.

Handanovic was in superb form to keep Genoa at bay, but was finally beaten shortly after the hour mark by Diego Milito's spot-kick and the visitors took the lead three minutes later thanks to substitute Giuseppe Sculli.

However, a Fabio Quagliarella volley in the 78th minute snatched a draw for Udinese.