AS Roma held by Inter Milan

AS Roma missed the opportunity to close the gap on leaders Juventus as they were held to a goalless draw by Inter Milan at Stadio Olympico.

Juan Jesus and Inter can count themselves very fortunate as an unnoticed punch from the defender on Aleesio Roma gnoli late in the match saved the visitors from facing a penalty and a sending off.

The home side created the better chances throughout and will have been frustrated they couldn't complete the double over Walter Mazzarri's men. A win would have reduced the deficit at the top of the table to six points.

Gervinho had the first chance of the night when he struck a first time shot harmlessly at goal after latching onto a Daniele De Rossi lofted through ball on six minutes.

The visitors looked dangerous on the counter-attack throughout the match and the first real warning signs for Roma came on 27 minutes when Yuto Nainggolan met Fredy Guarin's cross but couldn't keep his effort down.

Roma thought they had taken the lead five minutes later when Mattia Destro tapped in at the back post, the ball bouncing off the woodwork before hitting Samir Handanovic and rolling over the line but the flag was correctly raised for offside.

But the best opportunity of the game fell to substitute Miralem Pjanic on 73 minutes who collected a wonderful pass from Nainggolan and, with the goal at his mercy, struck the ball straight at Handanovic. Pjanic rose highest to the subsequent corner but headed off target.

With four minutes remaining and possession deep in the Inter third, Juan Jesus launched a ridiculous punch at Romagnoli but despite appeals from the Roma players, the referee couldn't award a deserved penalty as he didn't see the action.

Neither side could force the opening in the remaining moments and it proved to be a fairly frustrating evening for both sides who would have been desperate for the three points. Whilst Roma's title dreams look to be over, Inter trail fourth placed Fiorentina by four points.