Inter settles for draw vs. Bologna

Inter Milan missed the chance to draw level with third-place Napoli as it hit the crossbar twice but drew 1-1 at relegation-threatened Bologna.

Inter is eight points behind Juventus and two behind Napoli following the surprise draw.

Bologna took the lead in the 12th minute following a swift counter attack. Jonathan Cristaldo raced down the right flank before rolling the ball across to Kone, who hadn't been picked up as he burst through the middle and sidefooted home.

Former Bologna Saphir Taider could have been sent off as he was fortunate not to receive a second yellow card in the buildup to the goal for a shirt tug on Alessandro Diamanti. The referee had played the advantage.

Inter came close to leveling on the stroke of halftime as Taider and Alvaro Pereira sent passes across goal but nobody was able to tap in. Moments later Fredy Guarin's free kick was deflected onto the crossbar.

It was back on level terms six minutes after the break when Jonathan's shot was deflected into the bottom near corner.

Bologna almost restored its lead five minutes later but Samir Handanovic pulled off a great save to deny Rolando Bianchi.

Inter nearly snatched all three points in stoppage time when Juan Jesus' volley crashed off the crossbar.