Inter Milan 0-0 Milan

Roberto Mancini won the Serie A title twice in his first spell as Inter manager

Derby rivals Inter and AC Milan shared the points as their mid-table clash in Serie A ended in stalemate.

With European qualification seemingly out of reach for both sides, local pride was the only thing at stake.

And having also drawn the first meeting of the season, the status quo remained for two clubs who can only currently dream of past glories.

Robert Mancini's Inter thought they had won it but a second-half Philippe Mexes own goal was ruled out for a foul.

Milan's goal led a charmed life after the break but Filippo Inzaghi's side held on to stretch their current run to just one defeat in nine games.

Inter, unbeaten at home in the derby since November 2010, have won only one of their last nine games.

But it took a fine early save from Diego Lopez to deny Inter's Hernanes from finding the top corner from long range.

And the Spaniard made an instinctive save to keep out a Joel Obi deflection 10 minutes from the end as the derby finished goalless for the first time since October 2004.

Earlier in the day, third-placed Roma were held 1-1 by struggling Atalanta as they missed the chance to climb above Lazio, while Rafa Benitez's Napoli kept on course for Europa League qualification with a 3-0 win at Cagliari.

AC Milan's Philippe Mexes feared he had scored an own goal, but it was ruled out