Inter remain confident despite draw

Inter Milan were held to a goalless draw by Lazio in Serie A on Sunday, allowing AS Roma to hold on to top spot at the half-way stage of the championship.

Roma, who earlier beat Torino 1-0, lead with 36 points while Inter have 35 and third-placed Chievo are on 32 points but have a game in hand.

The closest either side came to breaking the deadlock in a disappointing game was when Inter striker Mohammed Kallon struck the post with a left-foot shot five minutes before the interval.

After the break Christian Vieri forced a good save out of Lazio 'keeper Luca Marchegiani and Lazio's Stefano Fiore fired wide from a good position but neither side were able to provide their strikers with the necessary service.

The result leaves Inter without a victory against any of the title contenders having drawn with Roma and Juventus and lost to Chievo and AC Milan so far this season.

But Inter coach Hector Cuper said the fact that reigning champions AS Roma had claimed the unofficial 'winter title' for the team leading at the half-way stage, meant little.

"I was disappointed that we didn't win as I always am," Cuper told reporters. "But the winter title means nothing, Roma have a point more than us. One point nothing more and there are still a lot of points up for grabs".

Inter captain Javier Zanetti said the title race, still wide open, would likely remain close to the end of the season.

"Roma are a great team and were worthy champions last season but I think it can go to the wire. We are a new team and we still have things to learn but there is a long way to go," said the Argentine international.

Lazio coach Alberto Zaccheroni also said Inter were firmly in the title race.

"For me Inter and Chievo have been the most consistent sides so far. Roma have put in some good performances but they had a bad start," Zaccheroni said.

"Our aim is to get up the table as quick as we can and then take it from there."