Catania's challenge for a European place took a further knock this afternoon as they were held to a goalless draw by Chievo in Serie A.

Coach Rolando Maran took on his former side with Francesco Lodi and Sergio Almiron back in the starting XI after a spell on the sidelines.

Cyril Thereau volleyed over for Chievo early on before Sergio Pellissier failed to capitalise on a poor touch from Giuseppe Bellusci.

Catania grew in confidence and went close through Lodi, who whipped a curling free kick just over the crossbar.

Christian Puggioni was then forced into a strong save for the home side to stop Gonzalo Bergessio's downward header from nestling into the bottom corner.

Both sides pushed for a late winner but were ultimately unable to break the deadlock in a hard-fought clash.