Youngster Stephan El Shaarawy was the hero as AC Milan hit back from a goal down to beat Udinese 2-1 on Saturday and take over at the top of the Serie A table.

The rossoneri leapfrogged Juventus, whose game at Bologna on Sunday night has been called off due to the snow, although they have played two games more than their rivals.

Antonio Di Natale had given fourth-placed Udinese, who came into the game unbeaten at home this season, a first-half lead but Maxi Lopez equalised before El Shaarawy snatched the winner five minutes from time.

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri was understandably delighted with the result, which ended a run of three games without a win, particularly given how the game seemed to be going at halftime.

However, he was coy about the significance this result would have in the title race.

“It was a great game for us, although I don’t know whether it will be decisive (in the title),” he said.

“Everybody played very well, like Maxi Lopez. He gave us depth and substance in attack and he also scored the equaliser.

“Now we’re top but we have to wait and see what Juventus will do, although we’re now five points above Lazio and six ahead of Udinese.”

Milan were without star forward and top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic but Allegri insisted this result proved they’re not a one-man band.

“Ibrahimovic is a great player – you notice when he’s there. But this time, other players with different characteristics have played very well.

“Maxi Lopez was very good, like every one else and, when there’s the right attitude, the results follow.”

It was the first time in four years that Milan had won at Udinese who could have joined their opponents in joint-second had they won.

Instead, they missed the chance to move into the third and final Champions League qualifying place which is occupied by Lazio, who beat Cesena 3-2 on Thursday.

In the day’s late game, Cagliari won the battle of the islands as they beat Palermo 2-1.

Mauricio Pinilla put the Sardinians ahead against his former employers before Daniele Dessena doubled the hosts’ advantage.

Uruguayan forward Abel Hernandez pulled a goal back for the Sicilians with a late penalty.