(Football news) The Milan Derby ended in an unenterprising 0-0 draw as both sides couldn’t capitalise on the few opportunities they had. AC Milan failed to take advantage of several chances in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi final at San Siro on Tuesday. The Rossoneri began the first half very brightly and put the Italian champions on the back foot almost from the start of the derby, but in the end they couldn’t break the deadlock. AC Milan had an excellent chance in the ninth minute when they applied a strong press which allowed Alexis Saelemaekers to steal away possession but he fired his shot right at Samir Handanovic who quite easily punched the shot away.

Theo Hernandez made a brilliant run and almost broke through the middle, playing a one-two with his fellow France international Olivier Giroud who hit a low shot that clipped the post. Edin Dzeko looked the most likely to score for Inter, but AC Milan had the more clear-cut chances as Rafael Leao shot was off target midway through the first half and then Rade Krunic had his 38th-minute shot blocked. Milan continued to make more opportunities after the restart with Leao's fierce shot forcing a fine stop from the Inter goalkeeper and Krunic had one more opportunity from a close-range chance which he spurned. A triple change by manager Stefano Pioli kept up the pressure on their city rivals but ultimately that relentless pressure did pay much dividance as they had to settle for a draw.

Juventus were unfortunate when a stoppage-time own goal from Lorenzo Venuti gifted them a 1-0 win over Fiorentina in their Coppa Italia semi final first leg. Dusan Vlahovic returned to his former club but failed to make a significant impact on the game, with every touch he was booed by fans in Florence, who have clearly not forgiven the Serbia striker for leaving mid season. Fiorentina had the better of the first-half chances as new January signing Jonathan Ikone drilled his shot just wide midway through the opening period, as Juve and Vlahovic were unable to be attacking in the first half.

Vlahovic's chance came early in the second half but he could chip the ball over Fiorentina goalkeeper Pietro Terracciano. Fiorentina looked threatening most of the match but couldn’t find a way to beat Szczesny in goal. Juan Cuadrado's cross was directed at Vlahovic, but it was misdirected and Venuti could only see the ball bounce off his knee and rolled agonisingly into the net to give Juve a win they did not deserve at all.

Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri said, "He [Vlahovic] has to improve playing with the team and tonight he linked up with his teammates much better. Winning in Florence was not easy because we had so many players missing [with injury]. We have given a great sign of maturity. Slowly we are improving and the team is finding more and more confidence."

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