The Rossoneri are just one point behind Serie A leaders and three-time defending champions Inter after Kaka's controversial penalty gave them a barely-deserved 1-0 win over Chievo yesterday.

Chievo protested in vain to referee Andrea De Marco, claiming that Davide Mandelli's foul on Kaka had occurred outside the area, but the Brazil international claims it is irrelevant.

"I don't like to speak about referees," said Kaka. "But there was definitely contact and whether the foul was inside the area or just centimetres outside is down to the referee to evaluate at the time.

"Our performance wasn't spectacular. But the important thing is to have collected three important points for the standings."

AC Milan could reclaim top spot in Serie A next weekend with a win at Torino if Inter drop points at the San Siro in their game against Juventus on Saturday.

"Now we will try to do our best," said Kaka. "If we win from now on it will be easy to clinch the Scudetto.

"But our main thought is to collect points without focusing too much on the standings."

Sunday's defeat was Chievo's fifth consecutive slip and saw the Flying Donkeys drop to the bottom of the standings.

Coach Mimmo Di Carlo was left fuming at the referee.

"The referee had an off day," he said. "He made the wrong decision and it's a pity because we played a good game, with plenty of intensity.

"Now we must look ahead and try to repeat our performance because our season begins on Sunday."

Chievo have now emerged from a nightmare series of games which included clashes with Lazio, Palermo, Juventus and AC Milan.

Di Carlo's side have collected just six points in 12 games. They host Siena on Sunday.