UCL rivals play out uninspiring draw

AC Milan and Juventus each missed a chance to take a big step towards Champions League qualification as they played out a 0-0 draw at San Siro.

Milan were leapfrogged into second place in the Serie A table by Napoli on Friday as Antonio Conte’s men beat Cremonese 4-0.

And they were unable to regain that position as they were left to settle for a stalemate that means they are six points clear of fifth and sixth-placed Como and Roma with four games to go.

But the result is more damaging for fourth-placed Juve, who saw Khephren Thuram’s first-half goal ruled out for offside.

Juve’s lead on that chasing duo is just three points, though with each of their final four games against teams in the bottom half, the Bianconeri will still be confident of securing Champions League football.

AC Milan, Juventus miss opportunity with draw

Adrien Rabiot had Milan’s best chance of the first half, with his drive from the edge of the area forcing Michele Di Gregorio into action.

It looked as if Thuram had given Juve a 36th-minute lead when he tapped in from Francisco Conceicao’s low delivery across the face of goal.

However, a VAR check led to disappointment for Juve, who were then denied again as Conceicao surged down the right byline only to see his effort kept out by Mike Maignan.

Milan improved to start the second half and Alexis Saelemaekers crashed a shot against the crossbar following excellent work from Rafael Leao.

But they were never able to build sustained pressure and it was Juve who carried the greater threat late on, with Jonathan David drifting a header narrowly wide as defences came out on top.