AC Milan were once again held to a 0-0 draw at home and this time Sampdoria. It was a game full of end to end action but none of the teams were able to take their chances. The Milan side had the lion’s share of possession and dominated the game in terms of chances created and attempts on goal but were not able to take advantage of their superiority as they were unable to break a resolute Sampdoria side. Milan lacked the cutting edge upfront and even Zlatan Ibrahimovic's introduction in the second half couldn’t change it. Zlatan Ibrahimovic Launches Fresh Attack on Cristiano Ronaldo, Teases him With Lionel Messi Jibe.

Sampdoria were out of the blocks quickly as they managed to get their first attempt early in the half as Ramirez’s shot was deflected over the bar. Milan weathered the early storm and got more into the match as the game progressed. Hernandez came close of opening the scoring the first half as his header from a Suso cross went agonizingly wide of the post. Suso came close two minutes later as his left foot strike was saved brilliantly by Audero. Sampdoria were forced into an early substitution as Gaston Ramirez had to be taken off on the half-hour mark. Zlatan Ibrahimovic Says 'Received More Offers at 38 Than When I Was 20'. 

Zlatan's Return

Welcome Back Ibra

More action was to follow in the first half as Jantko thought he had put the visitors in front but his goal was disallowed for offside. Both teams continued playing attacking football in the second half as they forced keepers at both ends into early saves. Pioli in attempts to bolster his attack brought Zlatan Ibrahimovic on the 55th minute of the game. The Swede made an instant impact as his attempt just before the hour mark was cleared off the line. Milan continued to create chances and the best of the lot fell to Rafael Leao as he flicked his strike over the bar from close range.

Final Result

The Fans

In the end both teams held on to get an equal share of points. Stefano Pioli will be disappointed with his side as he did not a see response to last match day’s 5-0 defeat against Atalanta. This result does none of the sides any good as Milan are still 12th while Sampdoria are dangling in the relegation zone.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 06, 2020 10:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).