Bologna have picked up a vital point in their battle against relegation after sharing a goalless draw with Hellas Verona in their Serie A meeting.

The visitors dominated the early exchanges, as Lazaros Christodoulopoulos forced Rafael into a save from his powerful strike.

Bosko Jankovic came close for Verona when he connected with a cross, but his header was kept out by Gianluca Curci.

Bologna threatened soon after through Panagiotis Kone, who saw his curling effort head just past the post.

After a goalless first half, the visitors were given the chance to open the scoring four minutes after the break when Fabrizio Cacciatore gave away a penalty. However, Rolando Bianchi could not beat Rafael from the spot.

Rafael was forced into another save minutes later, as he blocked a strike from Gyorgy Garics.

Verona came close to snatching the lead with 10 minutes left to play, but Romulo saw his long-range effort pushed behind by Curci.

Bologna were forced to play the final eight minutes of the match with 10 men as Jonathan Cristaldo picked up two yellow cards in quick succession.

However, Verona were unable to make their numerical advantage count and the game finished in a draw.