Inter Milan and Roma play out stalemate

Italian Serie A leaders Inter Milan were held to a scoreless draw by AS Roma on Friday (Saturday AEDT), giving second-placed Juventus a chance to return to the top.

The home draw left Inter only two points ahead of Juventus, who can regain the lead when they visit third-placed Lazio on Saturday (Sunday AEDT).

The result also wasn't good for Roma, who moved from fifth to fourth place in the standings but remained nine points off the lead after 15 matches.

Inter forward Lautaro Martinez had one of the game's best chances when he got past a defender and entered the area in the 68th minute, but his shot was blocked at the last minute. He called for a handball by the defender but the referee let play continue.

Inter were coming off five straight wins in the league, with their last setback in all competitions against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League last month. Their last league loss was against Juventus in October, nine matches ago.

Roma were seeking their third straight league win, having won five of their last six matches since last month.

Inter visit Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday (Wednesday AEDT).