Neither side has been able to make the breakthrough in a goalless opening 45 minutes between AC Milan and Sampdoria at the San Siro.

Both were keen to get onto the front foot in the early stages, with Sampdoria starting the game on top before Milan threatened when Marco van Ginkel tested Emiliano Viviano from outside the box.

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The Dutch midfielder, who was a doubt with injury earlier in the week, was proving to be influential for the hosts as he came inches away from finding the bottom corner with another powerful effort.

Milan started to dominate possession as the first half progressed, and only a fine save from Viviano prevented Mattia Destro from breaking the deadlock with a header from close range.

However, it was the visitors who came close to taking a lead into the interval when Stefano Okaka skipped past a couple of challenges on the edge of the box before dragging his shot inches wide of the post.