Torino 0-0 AC Milan: Door open for Inter after Rossoneri held

AC Milan opened the door for Inter Milan to temporarily reclaim the lead of the Serie A title race as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Torino.

The Rossoneri were tasked with responding after Inter's 2-0 win over Hellas Verona on Saturday, which moved the Nerazzurri just a point adrift.

But, after seeing fellow challengers Napoli slip up with a 3-1 home defeat to Fiorentina, Milan also stumbled.

Clear-cut chances were few and far between, Milan failing to take advantage of their edge in possession.

It means Inter can go a point ahead at the top with a win at Spezia on Friday, when they kick off two hours before Milan host Genoa.

Davide Calabria's long-range effort drew a strong save from Etrit Berisha in the 24th minute before Torino midfielder Samuele Ricci fired wide of the near post at the other end.

Mike Maignan tipped over from Mergim Vojvoda five minutes after the restart as Torino created the better opportunities in the second half.

Sandro Tonali was denied by Berisha after cleverly working his way into the box, with Andrea Belotti seeing a chance to secure a shock win for Torino go begging when he fired into the side-netting on an evening where the Granata were full value for a stalemate that could prove pivotal in the battle for the Scudetto.

What does it mean? Scudetto race tightens further

After Napoli were beaten at home by La Viola, their coach Luciano Spalletti suggested their title hopes were out of their hands.

Such an assessment may have been premature after Milan dropped points again, recording successive 0-0 draws in Serie A for the first time since December 2018, when they also had back-to-back stalemates from games with Torino and Bologna.

Just six points separate the top four, with Juventus not out of the hunt. It is Inter who look to be in the driver's seat, though, trailing by just two points with a game in hand on their arch rivals.

Brilliant Bremer

A primary source of Milan's frustration was Torino centre-back Bremer, who was outstanding at the back for the hosts. 

The Brazilian, linked with Liverpool and Inter, produced a game-high six clearances as well as three tackles and three blocks, winning possession five times.

Pioli's men under pressure

Milan coach Stefano Pioli was booked for remonstrating with the referee after full-time, though perhaps he was more exasperated by his side producing only three shots on target, heightening the pressure on them from the chasing pack.

Key Opta facts

Of Torino's 14 shots in this match, 12 were in the second half.

This was the fifth game of Torino's season that they have gone the entire first half without a shot on target.

This marks the first time since September that Torino have kept consecutive Serie A clean sheets.

Milan have not scored in two consecutive Serie A games for the first time since February 2021.

What's next?

Milan could find themselves in second by the time they kick off at San Siro against Genoa. Torino visit Lazio on Saturday.