AC Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic (C) is challenged by Bologna's Diego Perez (R) during their Italian Serie A soccer match at the Dall'Ara stadium in Bologna December 11, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

ROME - Udinese climbed to the top of Serie A after they beat Chievo 2-1 at home, while AC Milan were held to a 2-2 draw at Bologna on Sunday.

Antonio Di Natale, the talisman of the hosts, set his team to victory as he scored his tenth goal of the season midway through the second half and Dusan Basta doubled their lead 10 minutes from time.

Alberto Paloschi scored a consolation for Chievo in the 83rd minute, but Francesco Guidolin's side held on to move a point ahead of Juve, who have a game in hand, at the top of the table.

Udinese head coach Francesco Guidolin believed his side are living a magic moment which he hoped could carry on as long as possible.

"It's a magic moment that keeps on going, we hope for as long as possible," he said.

"We must experience what is happening right now with joy and a calm state of mind. It's wonderful looking at the table and it's an extraordinary period for us. Now we have to see how long it lasts," he said.

A controversial game at Bologna denied AC Milan the opportunity to join Udinese at the summit.

Marco Di Vaio put the hosts in front but an equalizer from the evergreen Clarence Seedorf and a Zlatan Ibrahimovic penalty looked to have turned the game around.

But Alessandro Diamanti levelled just two minutes later as Milan dropped two points behind new league leaders Udinese.

AC Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri hit out at the referee Gianluca Rocchi who made numerous dubious decisions during the 2-2 draw, including penalty appeals from both sides after the game.

"Looking back at the footage, Clarence Seedorf did seem to handle in the box, but towards the end there was an identical handball not awarded for us," Allegri said.

"As for Zlatan Ibrahimovic, I think he dived to earn the penalty. In any case, the referee got it wrong for both teams, so it wasn't one-way the same we suffered against Fiorentina," he said.

Ten-man Catania held on for a 1-1 draw at Atalanta. Nicola Legrottaglie put the visitors ahead in the 18th minute but defender Nicola Spolli picked up his second yellow card and was sent off before half-time, leaving his side with a battle on their hands.

And Atalanta substitute Simone Tiribocchi equalized in the 70th minute to make the most of the numerical advantage, although the hosts pressed forward, Catania held on for a draw. The result has left Catania in ninth place, two points clear of Atalanta.

Cagliari and Parma shared the spoils in a 0-0 stalemate at the Stadio Sant' Elia.