Palermo and Inter Milan have played out a goalless first half at the Stadio Renza Barbera.

Franco Vasquez had the best effort of the opening exchanges, firing a strike on target which Inter keeper Samir Handanovic got a fingertip to.

Stefan Jovetic, Inter's top scorer with three Serie A strikes this season, then lifted a shot over the crossbar.

Alberto Gilardino got his head onto the end of Andrea Rispoli's cross but the Palermo frontman could not direct his header on target.

Vasquez tested Handanovic once more, the Slovenian keeper turning the striker's effort around the post.

The close of the half saw Vasquez pick up a yellow card for falling to the ground too easily, minutes after Geoffrey Kondogbia had his name taken for a foul on Enzo Maresca.