AC Milan failed to take advantage of several opportunities as they played out a 0-0 draw with neighbors Internazionale in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final at the San Siro on Tuesday.
Rossoneri got off to a great start and almost outlasted the Italian champions from the start of the derby, but at the end there was nothing to show for it.
AC Milan had an excellent early chance in the ninth minute as they applied a strong press, allowing Alexis Selemaker to steal possession and fire in a shot, which was punched by Inter goalkeeper Samir Hendanovic.
Almost straight after, Theo Hernandez broke through the middle, playing a one-two with France international Olivier Giroud before hitting a low shot clipped outside the post.
While veteran striker Edin Dzeko was threatening for Inter whenever he was in possession, he had more clear chances for City rivals as Rafael Leo was off target with a chance in the middle of the first half and Rade Krunic. had blocked his 38th minute shot. ,
Milan created more opportunities after the restart with an angled shot from Leo, forcing the Inter goalkeeper to stop with one hand and blocking another close opportunity from Krunic.
A triple change by manager Stefano Pioli kept the pressure going, but AC Milan were guilty of over-elaborating and making poor decisions during the expansion of Inter Defence.
Inter hosted the return leg with the winner to meet Fiorentina or Juventus in the final on 20 April. Fiorentina host Juventus in the first leg of their semi-finals on Wednesday.