AC Milan are being held by Hellas Verona at the San Siro in Clarence Seedorf's first game in charge of the club.
Seedorf's side have created the better chances in the opening 45 minutes, and came close early on when Kaka was picked out by Keisuke Honda's cross, but he couldn't direct the Japanese attacking midfielder's cross goalwards from close range.
Kaka was involved again shortly after when his pass carved Verona open, before Balotelli put his effort wide of the post.
Milan continued their domination when Balotelli's free kick was spilt by Rafael in the Verona goal, though the ball was cleared by the away side's defence to the relief of the Brazilian.
With the half heading to a close, it was the lively Balotelli again who got a strike in at goal which was palmed away, leaving the game poised at 0-0.