Sampdoria 0-0 Inter Milan: Nerazzurri wasteful as determined hosts cling on for a crucial Serie A point

Inter Milan failed to make any meaningful ground on Serie A leaders Napoli after a 0-0 draw at Sampdoria.

The visitors had 25 shots on goal, but they could not break the deadlock with only five of those hitting the target in a lacklustre display from the 2021 champions.

The result leaves Inter in second but 15 points behind Napoli. For Sampdoria, they remain in 19th on 11 points; eight points from safety.

Inter dominated possession in the first half and had 13 shots on goal, but they were not able to make any of the three on target count.

Their best chance fell to Matteo Darmian inside the box, but he blasted his shot from close range over the bar.

Sampdoria grew in confidence as the half progressed and Sam Lammer almost found the corner of the net with a clever near-post flick, but Andre Onana got down quickly to make the save.

The second half followed the same pattern as the first with Inter dominating proceedings, but Simone Inzaghi’s side could not find a way past Emil Audero in goal.

Substitute Federico Dimarco came close with a well-executed volley on the hour mark, but his first-time strike crashed into the side netting.

In injury time Francesco Acerbi hit an audacious shot from range which Audero tipped over the bar.

TALKING POINT – Is the Serie A title race over?

Inter did not look sufficiently motivated to get a victory against a relegation-threatened Sampdoria side who evidently lacked confidence in front of goal.

With Napoli so far ahead at the summit of the Serie A table perhaps Inter’s issue is a psychological one at the moment. Inter will need to put in a much improved display against eighth-placed Udinese on Saturday if they are to avoid losing further ground in the title race and if they want to build momentum going into their Champions League last 16 tie against Porto.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – Federico Dimarco

The Inter wing-back was constant threat when he came on at half-time and fashioned two good goalscoring opportunities. He will feel he deserves to start against Udinese on Saturday after a fine performance.

PLAYER RATINGS

Sampdoria: Audero (7), Murillo (6), Nuytinck (6), Amione (6), Augello (6), Winks (6), Cuisance (6), Zanoli (5), Djuricic (5), Lammers (5), Gabbiadini (5)

Subs: Rincon (5), Murru (6), Quagliarella (N/A), Paoletti (N/A)

Inter: Onana (6), Skriniar (6), De Vrij (6), Acerbi (6), Darmian (6), Barella (5), Calhanoglu (7), Mkhitaryan (6), Gosens (5), Martinez (6), Lukaku (6)

Subs: Dimarco (7), Dumfries (6), Brozovic (5), Dzeko (6), Carboni (N/A)

KEY MOMENTS

2′ – GOOD SAVE! Lukaku is making an instant impact! He picks the ball up with his back to goal, spins his marker then unleashes a fierce shot on goal which Audero has to fumble over!

20′ – SO CLOSE! The best chance of the evening so far! Darmian is free inside the box but the former Manchester United defender – with time and in space – blasts his shot over the bar!

33′ – CHANCE FOR LAMMERS! Zanoli’s low ball to the near post is flicked on goal by Lammers, but his clever effort is parried away by Onana.

63′ – WIDE FROM DIMARCO! A great chance squandered by the wing-back! On the volley at the far post he slices his shot into the side netting.

90+2′ – ACERBI HAS AN AUDACIOUS STRIKE! It dips and it swerves from 30 yards out and Audero has to tip it over the bar! Fine stop.

KEY STAT