MILAN (Reuters) -- AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti and his Juventus counterpart Marcello Lippi agreed the 1-1 draw between the Serie A table-toppers on Saturday was a fair reflection of a fiercely contested game.

A superb 25-metre volley from Juve striker Marco Di Vaio six minutes from the end canceled out Jon Dahl Tomasson's opener for Milan and left the pair, European and Italian champions, still neck and neck at the top of the table.

"There is something of a bitter taste when you draw a game that was almost won," said Ancelotti, "But with Juventus you can never feel calm".

"Based on how the game spun out I think a draw was a fair result, even though it seemed we had the game under control after the goal," he added.

Milan's Brazilian keeper Dida had produced two outstanding saves to keep out a David Trezeguet shot and a Di Vaio header but there was nothing he could do to about the equalizer.

"Di Vaio is clearly in great form and his goal was amazing," said Ancelotti, "As for Dida, he made some important saves tonight, some excellent stops and he gives our defense a real feeling of security".

Lippi said a point was the least his side deserved.

"It would have been unfair to lose that game. We looked very down after their goal but then we recovered and were able to get a point that I think we merited," said the Juve coach.

"Di Vaio did well not to lose his confidence after he hit the post and then had Dida pull off those saves. He carried on trying and he was rewarded for that," he added.

The Juventus coach was critical though of the surface at the San Siro which has been below standard throughout this season and was particularly tricky after Saturday's rain in Milan.

"The players use up more energy on that pitch than on a normal surface. It was hard work for them to keep their feet and to change direction," he said.