AC Milan struggled to create many clear-cut chances as they were held to a 0-0 draw away at Chievo in Serie A tonight.

Chievo started the match brightly and retained possession neatly, but Milan created the first opportunity after seven minutes as Riccardo Montolivo floated a pass over the top of the defence for Mattia Destro.

However, the striker failed to connect with his first-time volley properly and it bounced through to Albano Bizzarri.

Chievo then survived a goalmouth scramble as a long-range free kick from Alex ricocheted several times in the box, before Daniele Bonera's shot was caught by the keeper.

Sergio Pellissier had the home side's best chance of the first half as he ran through on goal, but his tame shot lacked power.

Milan almost snatched the lead later on as Destro tried to flick Montolivo's shot into the net, but he mistimed his effort and it looped into the air.

The away side brought on Keisuke Honda at half time and he almost made an immediate impact as his fierce shot from 30 yards cannoned off the bar.

Chievo then came within a whisker of taking the lead as a Pellissier cross almost deflected into the far corner, before Alberto Paloschi stung the palms of Diego Lopez from distance.

Milan upped the tempo as time went on, but they struggled to penetrate a resolute Chievo defence and had to settle for a draw.