Inter Milan's Champions League hopes take hit in goalless draw vs. Atalanta

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:31 am

MILAN -- Inter Milan's chance of a Champions League berth diminished after they drew at Atalanta 0-0 in Serie A on Saturday.

The top four qualify and Inter were fifth, level on points with the two sides immediately above them, Roma and Lazio.

The two capital clubs meet in a derby on Sunday.

For their part, Atalanta are chasing a Europa League spot and they moved three points behind sixth-placed AC Milan, who host title hopefuls Napoli on Sunday.

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Inter struggled in Bergamo as Atalanta had the better of the chances in the first half.

The hosts should have taken the lead in the fifth minute when Alejandro "Papu" Gomez was sent clear by Bryan Cristante but he fired wide of the left post with only Samir Handanovic to beat.

The 19-year-old Musa Barrow was given his first Serie A start by Atalanta and he went close on three occasions, seeing two efforts saved by Handanovic and sending another narrowly wide.

There were fewer chances after the break but Inter had a flurry of late opportunities to snatch all three points.

Ivan Perisic, who squandered two good chances in the first half, again should have scored but he headed Eder's cross wide and Inter failed to score for a third successive match.