Inter Milan kept up their championship challenge with a narrow 1-0 home win against high-flying Chievo while Fiorentina returned to winning ways, defeating rock-bottom Lecce 1-0.

AC Milan's slim hopes of catching Juve suffered another setback in a dismal 0-0 draw at Lazio which left them in third spot but a massive 14 points behind Juve.

Juventus manager Fabio Capello praised Udinese keeper Morgan De Sanctis for keeping his side at bay until Del Piero's 70th minute winner.

"I have just watched an excellent Udinese team, something which makes me even happier about this victory," he said.

"Overall we played well and created many chances but their goalkeeper was the man-of-the-match."

Capello opted for an attacking formation from the beginning, fielding Zlatan Ibrahimovic, David Trezeguet and Adrian Mutu in a three-pronged attack but it took the introduction of the darling of the Stadio Delle Alpi, Del Piero, just before the hour mark to break the deadlock.

Udinese were once again undone by their ill discipline, suffering an eighth red card of the season as Sulley Ali Muntari was dismissed in the 37th minute.

It was also the third game in a row that they have had someone sent off before half-time and despite battling manfully with a numerical disadvantage they could only blame themselves for the defeat.

Julio Cruz gave Inter an early lead over Chievo and coach Roberto Mancini admitted after the game that the Milan giants were happy to hold on to what they had rather than take risks in looking to put the game to bed with a second goal.

"I am happy because Chievo were a difficult and dangerous opponent," he said. "That is why we did not take any great risks, even though we did not kill off the match."

In Rome, Andriy Shevchenko had the best chance of the match but his powerful header rattled the Lazio crossbar, bounced onto the goalline but back into action.

The defeat was another blow for Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti whose league campaign is running out of steam in the same week that they were dumped out of the Italian Cup.

"We played better than in recent outings, running less risks and creating more scoring opportunities," said Ancelotti.

"Andriy Shevchenko and Alberto Gilardino moved well. Organisation is crucial in difficult situations and we still need to improve our overall approach."

Fiorentina had to rely on a single goal from Luca Toni as they continue their Champions League qualification charge and reopened a five-point gap to fifth place Roma.