Diego Milito failed to convert a penalty kick as Inter Milan was held to a 0-0 draw at home by Atalanta on Sunday, a result that is sure to draw more criticism in the wake of its Champions League elimination by Marseille.
Diego Milito missed a penalty midway through the first half, but Inter never looked settled in a scrappy encounter.
Atalanta should have been given a penalty of their own late on, but they will nevertheless be happy with the draw, which keeps them at a safe distance from the relegation zone.
Inter were given the chance to take the lead in the 22nd minute when Gianpaolo Bellini was adjudged to have pulled down Giampaolo Pazzini inside the penalty area.
Milito, who missed his last penalty for Inter, stepped up to the spot only for Atalanta goalkeeper Andrea Consigli to dive the right way and push the ball behind with his fingertips.
From the resulting corner, Walter Samuel headed straight at Consigli from six yards.
Inter appeared more unsettled by the misses than Atalanta, who were not scared to get forwards when given the chance to do so.
Stefano Colantuono's side did not pose a threat to Julio Cesar's goal, though, as the chances fell only at the other end of the field.
Andrea Poli's speculative effort was pushed away by Consigli as the game entered the final half an hour.
Guido Marilungo's game, and possibly his season, ended moments later when he left the field in tears with a knee injury after falling badly under the challenge of Lucio.
Manolo Gabbiadini came on and, although it was an enforced change, it proved to be an inspired one.
Within moments of taking to the field, he had Atalanta's best effort on goal palmed away at full stretch by Julio Cesar.
Gabbiadini, whose sister is an Italy international, was proving to be a handful and Lucio was lucky to get away with a foul from behind on the Atalanta striker inside the penalty area in the 79th minute.
Inter launched a late assault, but Atalanta defended well and never looked like conceding as the two Nerazzurri shared the spoils.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
