Kaka gives Milan derby victory to end Inter's run

Brazilian Kaka struck in the 74th minute to give Milan a 1-0 victory over Internazionale in the Milan derby ­ inflicting Inter's first defeat of the season last night.

Milan stayed joint top of Serie A with Juventus on 57 points, while Inter, previously unbeaten in 38 league and cup games, slipped 14 points behind the leaders and virtually out of the title race in fourth place.

There had been little between the teams until Kaka turned a low drive from Gennaro Gattuso past the Inter keeper Francesco Toldo to give Carlo Ancelotti's side victory.

Inter had gone close on the stroke of half-time when Milan's Brazilian keeper Dida produced a fine save to keep out a fierce drive from Juan Sebastian Veron.

Earlier, Juventus beat Siena 3-0 at the Delle Alpi stadium, with two goals from Alessandro Del Piero.

Roma, without the suspended Francesco Totti, slipped to a 2-0 defeat at Palermo while their city rivals, Lazio, enjoyed a 2-0 win at home to Parma.

In Spain last night, Valencia recorded a 2-1 victory at home to Real Betis. Ruben Baraja and Mista scored the goals for Valencia, who were led by their new coach Antonio Lopez. They had fallen behind to an early Marcos Assuncao strike.