Milan, March 2 (BNA): Milan failed to capitalize on many chances as it drew 0-0 with its neighbors Inter Milan in the first leg of the Italian Cup semi-finals at San Siro on Tuesday.
The Rossoneri started superbly and suspended the Serie A champions almost from the start of the derby, but in the end they had nothing to show for it, Reuters reports.
Milan had an excellent early opportunity in the ninth minute as they applied solid pressure, allowing Alexis Sailemakers to steal possession and fire a shot that volleyed wide by Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic.
Almost immediately afterwards, Theo Hernandez broke through the middle, playing a duo with fellow France international Olivier Giroud before firing a low shot that hit the post from outside.
While veteran striker Edin Dzeko seemed to threaten Inter whenever he took possession of the ball, there were more obvious chances for their rivals in the city as Rafael Leao was wide off goal with a chance midway through the first half and Rady Krunic saved his shot in the 38th minute.
Milan created more chances after the start of the second half, with Rafael Liao’s angled shot that topped one hand from the Inter goalkeeper, and Krunic saved another opportunity from close range.
The three-way changeover by coach Stefano Pioli continued to put pressure on but Milan were guilty of over-elaborating and making poor decisions when Inter’s defense stretched.
Inter will host the second leg on April 20, and the winner will meet either Fiorentina or Juventus in the final. Fiorentina hosts Juventus in the first leg of the semi-finals on Wednesday.