Match reportLiverpool play out stalemate in game one with Como at AXA Training Centre
The behind-closed-doors encounter at the AXA Training Centre comprised of two 35-minute halves, ahead of the sides meeting at Anfield later.
Genuine chances were at a relative premium and time elapsed without a mark on the scoresheet in Kirkby.
The Liverpool starting XI included a first appearance of pre-season for Alexis Mac Allister after he returned to club duty earlier in the week.
A first half-chance was carved out by the fast feet of Victor Munoz three minutes in.
The summer signing chopped his way around Ivan Smolcic on the left side of the box and swirled in a cross that the late-arriving Trey Nyoni glanced wide.
Assane Diao was a frequent out ball for the visiting team from Italy down the left-hand side, with several driving runs needing to be stifled by the Reds.
He was the recipient of the best opportunity of the opening period, too.
A crisp passing triangle freed Smolcic on the right wing and he slid a square pass into Diao inside the Liverpool area – but he completely miscued his finish.
Adrian Lahdo also sliced well wide from 20 yards as the score remained goalless at the interval.
Early in the second period, Munoz lofted a clever ball towards the near-post area that Federico Chiesa met with a nod at goal that was saved.
Munoz’s explosive pace carried him on a great run from his own half soon after; he beat two opponents before being snuffed out in the box.
Nyoni cleared the crossbar with a sweeping shot after substitute Will Wright had taken the ball in Como territory and served it back.
The Reds’ best chance came just prior to the hour mark.
It was entirely of Lewis Koumas’ own making as he harried Riccardo Cassano into surrendering possession near his area and turned on goal, though his left-footed effort drifted wide.
Mac Allister was then withdrawn by head coach Andoni Iraola having clocked up an hour of play back in the Liverpool jersey.
Only a crucial block by Smolcic in the last minute prevented Wright from firing at goal from 12 yards out, before the referee blew the whistle.
Team
Liverpool: Mamardashvili, Endo, Mac Allister (Ndiaye, 59), Chiesa (W. Wright, 46), Elliott (Morrison, 46), Tsimikas, Munoz (Koumas, 46), Nyoni, Chambers, Ramsay (Pitt, 67,) McConnell (Sonni-Lambie, 67).
Unused sub: Davies.