Chievo and AC Milan drew 0-0 with at the Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi on Sunday afternoon in Serie A.
Milan captain Riccardo Montolivo and Sergio Pellissier saw red as the Rossoneri played out a largely uneventful match with the side rooted to the bottom of Serie A.
Despite controlling the majority of possession Massimiliano Allegri’s side failed to create enough clear-cut opportunities to secure an important three points in Verona and could have even left with none after Chievo has a goal ruled out for offside.
It was the hosts that had the first meaningful chance to take the lead on 17 minutes when Marcelo Estigarribia let fly from distance, but as it headed for the top corner Christian Abbiati was forced into an acrobatic one handed save.
Then it was Sulley Muntari’s turn to try his luck from distance, however, on his weaker right foot the low drive was saved comfortably by Christian Puggioni.
On 41 minutes Ignazio Abate chipped a clever ball into Alessandro Matri who controlled under the close attention of the Chievo defence and played in the arriving Andrea Pioli, but drove well wide.
Then the Italian managed to upset both players and fans of the home side as he rose from apparent injury only to drop to the ground under challenge in the Chievo box.
Adjudged to have been an attempt to gain a penalty kick Bostjan Cesar made his feelings clear to the former Sampdoria man and the defender was likely that the officials did not see him thrust his forehead towards Pioli.
Seven minutes into the second period the Flying Donkeys nearly shocked the visitors by taking the lead as Cyril Thereau broke towards the Milan goal and forced a low save from Abbiati, however, as the ball ran across an empty goal towards the onrushing Luca Rigoni the Chievo captain shot wide from an acute angle.
Shortly after the Rossoneri had a penalty claim waved away by the referee despite the drive from Riccardo Montolivo clearly striking the right arm of Cesar, however, stationed close to his side and no movement towards the ball a corner was the only advantage gained.
On 74 minutes Chievo did have the ball in the net through former Milan striker Alberto Paloschi, but was considered offside as he received the through ball, which on reflection was particularly harsh on the youngster.
With Milan continuing to press the Chievo defence Robinho found his way into the Chievo box and with the Brazilian looking certain to score beat Puggioni, but saw his strike rebound of the post.
As they grew frustrated by their attempts to take the lead Montolivo picked up a second booking for an unnecessary foul committed was trying to regain the ball and the Rossoneri were left to settle for the draw.
The controversy did not end there though as veteran striker Pellissier was shown a straight red card for his comments to the referee.
Follow Kevin Pogorzelski on Twitter: @rabbitrabbiton
