Milan kept their hopes of Champions League qualification alive while denting local rival Internazionale's title defence by beating them 2-1 in a thrilling match at the San Siro.

Filippo Inzaghi and Kaka's goals were enough to secure a valuable three points for Milan, while Julio Cruz's free-kick gave the Serie A leaders hope late on.

The result means that Milan move back up into fourth place by virtue of Fiorentina's 2-0 loss at Cagliari, while Inter's lead at the top is cut to three points with two matches remaining after Roma beat Sampdoria 3-0.

Kaka also created the opening goal six minutes after half-time when he beat Marco Materazzi own the wing to send in a cross that Inzaghi powered in with a header at the near post.

The reigning World Player of the Year then doubled Milan's lead five minutes later after Massimo Ambrosini dispossessed a dithering Maicon and released the Brazilian to calmly slot past goalkeeper Julio Cesar.

Julio Cruz set up a tense finish in this thrilling encounter with an inch-perfect free-kick struck low and curled around the wall with 15 minutes remaining that flew in with Milan keeper Zeljko Kalac rooted to the spot.

More to follow...

Tony Mabert / Eurosport