Ronaldinho provided further evidence that he is returning to top form after his summer move from Barcelona with a goal in the 80th minute at Lecce yesterday but the home side spoiled the evening for the Rossoneri with a stoppage-time strike from Andrea Esposito.

Not only did Carlo Ancelotti's men drop two points, but city rivals Internazionale leapfrogged them into first place after their 1-0 victory against Udinese.

"We are bitter with the result," Ancelotti said. "We expected a victory but there was little we could do.

"The glass is half full. We should have won but we take home just a point."

Nevertheless, Ancelotti tried to remain positive.

"At Lecce, we have handed our best performance on the road this season," he said. "We have handed in a very good performance in every respect.

"My team is healthy and will continue to be in the next games.

"I am satisfied with Ronaldinho´s goal but even more so with the general performance of my team."

Milan had hit the Serie A summit for the first time in four years last weekend.

Now, heading into next Sunday's home game against Chievo, they are level on 23 points with Napoli and just one behind Inter.