Second-placed Inter Milan were held to a third successive 1-1 draw after Radja Nainggolan, a player they loaned to Cagliari for this season, scored a second-half equaliser for the Sardinian side in their Serie A match on Sunday.
The fiercely competitive Belgian, who was told by Inter coach Antonio Conte that there was no place for him this season, stunned the San Siro with a 78th-minute goal to cancel out Lautaro Martinez's first-half opener for Inter.
Martinez was sent off in stoppage time for his furious reaction after being given a yellow card for a foul and had to be ushered away by team mates as he continued to remonstrate with the referee.
The game ended in chaotic scenes as Inter staff, including Conte, surrounded the referee to protest. A livid Conte refused to give any interviews.
Chinese-owned Inter have 48 points from 21 games, three behind Juventus who were away to Napoli later on Sunday, and three more than third-placed Lazio who meet AS Roma.
"On the one hand, I'm sorry I scored, I have a lot of respect for Inter, their fans and my team mates," said Nainggolan. "But, on the other hand, I'm happy -- they treated me a little badly, as if I were a little player."
Inter's players wore shirts with their names written in Chinese characters to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
YOUNG DEBUT
With a midfield depleted by injuries and suspensions, Inter gave Ashley Young his debut and the former Manchester United player set up their goal in the 29th minute with a cross which Martinez met with a powerful header.
Sixth-placed Cagliari protested that Martinez had pushed a defender and VAR officials finally confirmed the goal after a two-minute delay.
Alessio Cragno saved another Martinez effort with his feet but Inter did not have it all their own way and goalkeeper Samir Handanovic had to palm away a looping header from Paolo Farago before halftime.
Stefano Sensi was twice close for Inter in the second half but they failed to add a second goal and paid the price.
Joao Pedro pulled back the ball from near the corner and it ran on to Nainggolan whose low drive from 25 metres took a deflection and went in off the foot of the post.
Romelu Lukaku was centimetres away from putting Inter back in front but their frustration boiled over in stoppage time with Martinez's red card.
"We certainly didn't draw because of the referee," said Handanovic, the Inter captain.
"We only complained because their forwards were given fouls and ours weren't. We should have finished off the match, and then we wouldn't be talking about all this."
Sassuolo held on for a 0-0 draw at Sampdoria despite having Federico Peluso sent off in the 25th minute for denying an opponent a clear scoring chance in a match between two teams just above the relegation zone.
Seventh-placed Parma beat Udinese 2-0 in a mid-table clash and Verona eased past lowly Lecce 3-0.
(Writing by Brian Homewood; editing by Clare Fallon and Ken Ferris)
