Lazio, Milan bag Champions League places

MILAN, May 13 (Reuters) Lazio and AC Milan secured places in the Champions League qualifying round after Empoli's defeat in Serie A today.

Hernan Crespo scored a hat-trick to help champions Inter to an enthralling 4-3 win over Lazio while Milan could only manage a 1-1 draw with Catania.

However, Empoli's 2-0 defeat at relegation-threatened Siena meant Lazio and Milan, both on 61 points, are now certain of finishing third or fourth with two rounds of matches to play.

Siena's victory lifted them out the remaining relegation place and they have been replaced by Chievo. The battle to avoid the drop seems certain to go down to the last day with a host of clubs still in danger.

REUTERS BJR PM2112