Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri was beaming after their stunning 3-2 victory over AC Milan last night.

Hasan Salihamidzic struck twice for Juve, while AC Milan defender Daniele Bonera saw red, and Ranieri said: "We have beaten the World Club champions.

"You can tell those teams are consolidated, but we throw ourselves into it heart and soul. The gap between us is closed because we have incredible hunger. We have the character to fight it out with anyone.

"Milan played a great first half and pushed us down the flanks, but after the break we took more control and had our kind of performance.

"We had a few distractions in defence, but that is only because Milan had real quality. On the first goal Kaka was more agile than Giorgio Chiellini and beat him in the one-on-one."

He added: "Mauro Camoranesi could not help out Zdenek Grygera, so I moved Hasan Salihamidzic and left Camo clear to do what he wanted. Mauro had a great game.

"Tiago knows how to play and it wasn't easy against Milan's midfield. I am happy with his performance, he gave us balance. Momo Sissoko, on the other hand, was extraordinary."

Juve have put their Champions League place under lock and key, but are still aiming for Roma in second.

"We are gambling with a great deal this week. First Parma in the rescheduled game and then Atalanta. It is important to give our all, then we'll see where we end up."