Julio Cruz's shot stuck in Ighli Vannucchi's head and may have touched his hand. The referee pointed to the spot and Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored the winner in the 34th minute.

The Nerazzuri had to battle for more than 50 minutes with only ten men on the pitch after Patrick Vieira picked up his second booking in the 39th minute.

Empoli could have grabbed a point but Luca Saudati missed a late penalty.

Elsewhere AS Roma were stunned by Siena 3-0 courtesy of goals from Simone Vergassola, 12, Max Tonetto, 43og, and Mario Frick, 83.

Inter Milan are clear on top with 53 points while AS Roma have only 45 and Juventus 41.