INTER Milan was denied the chance to wrap up a third successive title by its city rival AC Milan.

Inter lost the Milan derby, 2-1, thanks to a brilliant display from Brazil international Kaka, who scored a goal and assisted in the other for the Nerazzurri.

With Roma winning 3-0 at Sampdoria, the title race will stretch into next weekend when Inter hosts Siena and Roma takes on Atalanta in the capital.

After a goalless first half with chances for both sides, Filippo Inzaghi opened the scoring six minutes after the break after getting on the end of a cross by Kaka. The Brazilian then doubled Milan’s lead five minutes later and, while Julio Cruz pulled a goal back for Inter, the Serie A leaders could not find the two goals, which would have secured the title.

Milan’s win lifted it above Fiorentina into the fourth Champions League spot after the Florence side lost 2-1 at Cagliari, which moved four points and four places clear of the relegation zone.

Third-placed Juventus suffered a surprise 1-0 defeat at Siena, whose goal came in the sixth minute from Houssine Kharja.(SD-Agencies)