INTER Milan missed the chance to go top of Serie A on Saturday after a thrilling 2-2 draw with Atalanta, which allowed city rival AC Milan to hold onto first place with its 2-1 win at Spezia, in which Daniel Maldini continued a family dynasty.

Inter sits third, two points behind leader Milan, after a breathless match at the San Siro, which ended with substitute Federico Dimarco hitting the bar with an 86th minute penalty and Roberto Piccoli then having a last-gasp winner for Atalanta ruled out amid frantic protests from the away side.

Stefano Pioli’s Milan came through against a battling Spezia thanks to Brahim Diaz’s close-range strike with four minutes remaining, but Maldini stole the show with his first Milan goal on his full Serie A debut.

Over 12 years since his father and club legend Paolo last played for the seven-time European champion, Maldini junior headed Milan into the lead at Spezia two minutes after half-time.

Former Italy defender Paolo, who won almost every honor in the game during his 25 years as a Milan player and is now the club’s technical director, celebrated in the stands as his son was surrounded by teammates following the powerful header from Pierre Kalulu’s cross.

“I’m pretty calm even though it’s been emotional. My teammates help me loads, the coach gives me advice. Thankfully we came through the match that was very hard,” said Maldini.

Defeat was harsh on Spezia, which deserved more than zero points from performances in its last two matches against Juventus and Milan.(SD-Agencies)