Juventus forward Gonzalo Higuain was left needing treatment for a blow to the head as the Serie A leaders were held to a 1-1 draw at struggling Lecce.

The Bianconeri had rested Cristiano Ronaldo as they went in search of an eighth straight win in all competitions.

After Higuain saw an early goal ruled out for offside in the build-up, Juventus went ahead after 50 minutes through a Paulo Dybala penalty, which was awarded following a VAR review.

However, Lecce – without a win in four Serie A matches – were soon level when Juve defender Matthijs De Ligt was punished for a handball in the box, with Marco Mancosu converting the spot-kick in the 56th minute.

Juve’s Federico Bernardeschi saw his shot come back off the post before Higuain was left with a bloody forehead after colliding with Lecce goalkeeper Gabriel at a corner.

Higuain was able to continue after treatment, which saw his head heavily bandaged – and later forced Gabriel into a smart save during stoppage time.

Following the final whistle, though, the Argentina forward needed more assistance and was eventually taken off on a stretcher.

It was later reported Juve coach Maurizio Sarri had confirmed Higuain was conscious and answering questions, but could yet need to be checked out at hospital.

With Juve having dropped points, Inter Milan could have moved above them to the top of the table, but they had to settle for a 2-2 draw with Parma at San Siro.

The Nerazzurri – still missing the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Matias Vecino – went ahead after 23 minutes through a deflected shot from Antonio Candreva following a corner.

Parma, though, quickly hit back to level through a fine strike from Yann Karamoh, the forward’s loan from Inter set to become permanent at the end of the season.

Gervinho then put the visitors ahead in the 30th minute, slotting in Karamoh’s cross from close range.

Early in the second half, Romelu Lukaku levelled things up at 2-2 – but only after the goal was subject to a lengthy VAR review following an offside flag which was eventually overturned.

Substitute Stefan De Vrij headed wide late on, with 17-year-old Sebastiano Esposito seeing his volley fly just off target deep into stoppage time.

In Saturday’s late match, Genoa beat fellow strugglers Brescia 3-1 at Stadio Luigi Ferraris in a first match for new manager Thiago Motta.

Mario Balotelli started for the visitors, who took the lead after 34 minutes through a bending free-kick from midfielder Sandro Tonali.

Genoa, who had sacked Aurelio Andreazzoli following just one point from six games, were much improved in the second half and equalised on 66 minutes through substitute Kevin Agudelo, making his debut.

Fellow substitutes Christian Kouame, scoring a fine left-foot volley, and Goran Pandev added well-taken late goals to complete the victory.