Inter dropped further ground on runaway Serie A leaders Napoli after a wasteful performance resulted in a goalless draw at Sampdoria on Monday.
Simone Inzaghi's side had won seven of nine games across all competitions in an impressive start to 2023, but drew a blank at Luigi Ferraris Stadium.
Dejan Stankovic's hosts offered little in attack throughout, with Inter's 13 first-half attempts in a one-sided contest going unrewarded before a similarly dominant second period.
The Nerazzurri were unable to find the required breakthrough, however, with the stalemate leaving Inter trailing Napoli by 15 points and leading the chasing pack for second by just three.
Emil Audero parried away a thumping Romelu Lukaku effort and Hakan Calhanoglu drilled narrowly wide as Inter dictated the opening proceedings.
Matteo Darmian blazed just over after Lautaro Martinez inexplicably failed to connect from close range, before Robin Gosens went close with a headed attempt as Inzaghi's visitors failed to capitalise on their first-half dominance.
Manolo Gabbiadini dragged a rare Sampdoria opportunity off target after the interval, albeit Inter continued to monopolise possession in search of an elusive opener.
Audero thwarted a stinging Calhanoglu effort before the Turkey international curled just the wrong side of the goalkeeper's left post.
The Sampdoria goalkeeper tipped over a long-range Francesco Acerbi drive before Martinez somehow failed to convert a last-minute scramble inside the area as Inter were unable to find a deserved late winner.
What does it mean? Rare draw halts Inter roll
Inter had won nine of their past 11 meetings with Sampdoria in Serie A, winning their past two 3-0, therefore a stalemate with the league's second-bottom side may come as a surprise.
The nature of the result marked a rare feat for Inter, too, with it just their second draw in their past 31 Italian top-flight games – stunting their run as they looked for an eighth win in 10 games across all competitions since the new year began.
Napoli are all but crowned Scudetto champions already, but with Porto on the horizon in the Champions League later in February, Inzaghi will appreciate Inter must improve going forward.
Nuytinck neutralises Inter attack
Bram Nuytinck was the star of the show for the Sampdoria backline, capably supported by goalkeeper and captain Audero behind him.
The Dutch 32-year-old defender showed all of his experience in a resolute performance, making the most tackles (four) and most clearances (nine) of any player on the pitch.
Gabbiadini struggles
Gabbiadini has scored three Serie A goals in 2023, after having a hand in only four goals (two goals, two assists) in the whole of last year.
But the Samp striker struggled in this game, failing to hit the target with two presentable chances to leave his tally at just one goal in 12 meetings with Inter in the competition.
What's next?
Inter are at home to Udinese on Saturday, when Sampdoria host Bologna.
