SOCCER: Como hold Inter to scoreless draw in Coppa Italia

COMO, Italy — Como and Inter Milan battled to a scoreless draw in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semifinal on Tuesday, with the hosts squandering a golden opportunity to seize the advantage while the visitors failed to record a single shot on target.

Como dictated the tempo for much of the first half and created the better chances. Nico Paz forced Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez into a solid save, while Mergim Vojvoda fired wide from a promising position inside the penalty area.

The home side came closest just after halftime. Alex Valle was left frustrated after striking the post when Ivan Smolcic’s cross found him unmarked inside the six-yard box, but the defender somehow sent his effort wide.

Inter attempted to spark their attack before the hour mark with a triple substitution, introducing Marcus Thuram, Piotr Zielinski and Denzel Dumfries. However, the changes failed to generate any real threat in the final third.

The match also carried emotional weight for Como. The club’s only previous Coppa Italia semifinal appearance came 40 years ago in 1986 under manager Rino Marchesi, who died on Sunday. A minute’s silence was observed before kickoff in his honor.

Despite last season’s trophyless campaign and an early exit from the Champions League this term, Inter remain in contention for domestic success. Under head coach Cristian Chivu, the team holds a 10-point lead atop the Serie A standings and will look to capitalize in the second leg at the San Siro on April 22.

The winner of the tie will face either Atalanta or Lazio in May’s final. -Reporting by Trevor StynesEditing by Christian Radnedge/Reuters