Bari held to home draw with Bologna

Rome - Promoted Bari drew 0-0 at home to Bologna Saturday, a week after a far more prestigious draw they snatched away to champions Inter Milan in their Serie A season opener.

A choppy and largely without grass pitch at the San Nicola stadium was partly responsible for the dull showing of both sides, whose fans, however, seemed pleased with the two points secured in as many games.

The southern-Italy newcomers were in control for most of the game, but had a single truly telling chance on 75 minutes when Belarus striker Vitalii Kutuzov squandered the easiest of chances volleying a good cross from Antonio Langella above the bar.

First-half chances had gone begging as Daniele De Vezze had a feeble shot saved, Kutuzov fired wide and Alessandro Gazzi missed a difficult header.

The home crowd displayed much enthusiasm as they watched a top-flight game after eight seasons in the lower division and held a banner saying "Let's go Tim! We have a dream" to welcome US real estate entrepreneur Tim Barton, who is about to acquire the club.

The dismissal of Ferdinando Sforzini left Bari with 10 men in injury time.

The weekend's top billing game later Saturday pits AC Milan against champions Inter, who trail the Devils two points adrift due to their dismal opener with Bari.

Roma and Juventus play another classic game on Sunday, when seven other games are scheduled. (dpa)