Cagliari have been held to a goalless draw by Catania at home in Serie A.

The first genuine chance of the match fell to Giovanni Marchese in the 16th minute, but the Catania defender's left-footed shot went wide.

Five minutes later Marco Sau forced Catania goalkeeper Mariano Andujar into making a save.

Daniele Dessena and Daniele Conti combined with each other for Cagliari in the 44th minute, but the former's effort was off target.

Then moments later Sau went close twice but was foiled on both occasions by Andujar.

The hosts were quicker off the blocks in the second half, as Davide Astori headed Andrea Cossu's delivery just wide.

Astori came close again midway through the second half after Mariano Izco had two chances for Catania.

Cagliari poured themselves forward in the final minutes of the match, with Danilo Avelar and Luca Rossettini both trying their luck but in vain.