AC Milan have failed to secure third place in Serie A following a goalless draw at home to Roma.

The result has left Milan two points clear of fourth-placed Fiorentina with one game left to play this season.

The visitors had an early chance through Marquinho, but his long-range effort was kept out by the acrobatic Christian Abbiati.

The visitors continued to carve out the better opportunities as Francesco Totti flashed a shot wide, while Marquinho was again denied by Abbiati.

A disappointing first half for Milan ended on a bizarre note as Sulley Muntari was shown a straight red card after protesting aggressively towards the referee following his decision to book Mario Balotelli.

The match was briefly halted by the referee at the start of the second half as he asked Roma captain Totti to stop sections of the away support shouting racist abuse at Balotelli.

Balotelli then had a free kick easily saved by Roma goalkeeper Bogdan Lobont before Mathieu Flamini's effort on the angle was gathered by the shot-stopper.

A feisty evening finished with a red card for Totti after the striker lashed out with an elbow on Philippe Mexes to pick up his second booking.