Serie A leaders Inter Milan were held to a goalless draw by Lazio in the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg at the San Siro.Inter, who have reached the final in the previous three seasons, struggled against a determined Lazio.

Both teams had their share of chances to break the deadlock in the opening half but failed to find the finishing touch.

The Biancoceleste, looking to bounce back from a disappointing season, had a goal disallowed in the 75th minute with Stefano Mauri's effort ruled out for offside.

Inter defender Nicolas Burdisso almost handed his side the edge with 11 minutes remaining but his powerful header struck the crossbar having beaten goalkeeper Marco Ballotta.

The tie will be decided in the return leg in Rome on May 7.

A bullet strike from Francesco Totti gave cup holders Roma a 1-0 home triumph over Catania in the other semi-final first-leg.

The Giallorossi captain struck in the 47th minute to bring the Stadio Olimpico to life.

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