Nine-man Inter Milan battled to a goalless draw at home to bitter rivals Sampdoria in a Serie A ill-tempered match on Saturday. The hosts had two players sent off in the first half for violent challenges, and couldn't overcome their numerical disadvantage afterwards. Argentine defender Walter Samuel received his marching orders two minutes past the half-hour mark for two bookable offences. Ivan Cordoba was also dismissed after receiving his second card seven minutes from haltime, which caused emotions to run high at Giuseppe Meazza. Sampdoria's Giampaolo Pazzini also saw red 15 minutes from time, but Inter couldn't hit a late goal. The Nerazzurri remain on top of the league table with 54 points, seven clear of closest rivals Roma. Sampdoria are fifth on 39.
