Inter Milan have been unable to find a way through against 10-man Sampdoria in a goalless first half to their Coppa Italia meeting this evening.

The visiting side were dealt a blow just 11 minutes into the contest when Nenad Krsticic was dismissed for hauling down Mauro Icardi, who was bearing down on goal following a quick break.

Mateo Kovacic forced Sergio Romero into making a stop shortly after, which the Argentina international did well to push away. Icardi looked to have latched on to the loose ball only for the flag to be raised for offside.

Icardi was gifted a glorious chance to edge his side ahead on the 37-minute mark when Inter were awarded a penalty, but the forward saw his spot kick saved by Romero.

On-loan Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski himself came close to making a breakthrough shortly before the interval when his header was put behind for a corner kick.

The resulting set piece made its way to the German international on the edge of the box, but this time his attempt was deflected wide in the last attacking move of the first half.