Roma have been unable to break down AC Milan in a goalless first half at the Stadio Olimpico.

The visitors went in search of an early goal, and they came close to finding one when Keisuke Honda unleashed a shot from the edge of the area, which forced Morgan de Sanctis into making a smart stop.

Andrea Poli was unable to convert the rebound from close range, with the Roma stopper producing a fine save to keep the scoreline level.

The Giallorossi managed to create their own chances as the half progressed, coming close to finding a way through when Alessandro Florenzi worked some space and got a strike away which was kept out by Diego Lopez.

Francesco Totti tried his luck from a free kick which was straight at the keeper, while Gervinho also drew a save out of the former Real Madrid man at the end of his solo run.

Former Roma defender Philippe Mexes almost made the breakthough shortly before the half-time interval with his attempt from range, which once more needed the intervention of De Sanctis to push it behind.

Despite having the better of the half, Rudi Garcia's men were left unhappy going into the break having had an earlier penalty shout turned down, after it appeared as though Nigel de Jong had handled the ball inside his own area.