AC Milan 0 Napoli 0: Stalemate hands Juventus title boost

AC Milan and Napoli played out a goalless draw on Saturday that does not hugely benefit either side's domestic ambitions.

Published : Jan 27, 2019 11:06 IST

Krzysztof Piatek (R) is challenged by Kalidou Koulibaly
Krzysztof Piatek (R) is challenged by Kalidou Koulibaly
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Krzysztof Piatek (R) is challenged by Kalidou Koulibaly

Napoli was held to a 0-0 draw by AC Milan at San Siro in a boost to Juventus' Serie A title defence.

The Rossoneri had only beat Napoli once in 15 league games prior to Saturday's encounter but came close to improving that record, with goalkeeper David Ospina making some crucial saves.

Carlo Ancelotti's side had won its previous two top-flight games since losing on this ground to Inter last month, but a relatively flat performance left it unable to worry Gianluigi Donnarumma's goal unduly and it lost Fabian Ruiz to a late red card.

Patrick Cutrone hit the side-netting in a bright opening spell from Milan, although neither side looked prepared to sit back and play for a point in a combative first 45 minutes.

Hakan Calhanoglu tested Ospina, while Piotr Zielinski and Jose Callejon each came close for Napoli without managing to hit the target.

Franck Kessie saw a shot deflected narrowly over the crossbar and Callejon clipped the woodwork with a cross, before Zielinski stung the palms of Donnarumma with a fierce volley.

New signing Krzysztof Piatek was introduced with 19 minutes left and almost made a telling impact within moments of entering the pitch, with Ospina bravely diving at his feet to deny him a debut goal.

Ospina, hurt by that collision, produced an even better stop to deny Mateo Musacchio's volley from the ensuing corner, the defender failing to convert after Piatek's header fell to him.

Zielinski shot straight at Gianluigi Donnarumma with a good late chance 12 yards out but, despite some frantic late defending from each side, Ruiz's second yellow card for handball in injury time was the only incident of note.

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