Genoa and Roma have played out a goalless first half in their Serie A clash this afternoon.

A scrappy opening to proceedings produced just one clear chance, with Roma's Radja Nainggolan firing wide of the post after nine minutes of football.

Genoa's best chance of the half fell to Emanuele Calaio after 20 minutes, but the 32-year-old forward could only fire wide of the goal from inside the box as both sides continued to exchange periods of possession in a slightly untidy contest.

Roma improved as the half progressed, however, and forced four chances in quick succession before the half-hour mark. First, Genoa goalkeeper Mattia Perin twice denied Adem Ljajic, before Nainggolan and Mattia Destro saw efforts move high of the crossbar.

Michel Bastos and Mehdi Benatia both came close for Roma in the final stages of the half, but neither could make the breakthrough with the two sides entering the break on terms.