Roma kick off new era with 0-0 draw at Verona

VERONA, Italy, Sept 19 (Reuters) - AS Roma were held to a 0-0 draw at Verona in their opening Serie A game of the season on Saturday as they began a new era under the ownership of the Texas-based Friedkin Group who took over the club last month.

Verona hit the woodwork in each half while Roma gave a disjointed performance in front of billionaire owner Dan Friedkin and his son Ryan, who both saw the match on a balmy evening at the Bentegodi stadium.

Even so, Leonardo Spinazzola nearly snatched a late winner for Roma when he smashed a long-range effort against the bar.

The Veneto regional government had given permission for up to 1,000 fans to watch the game but the club did not have time to sell tickets, instead inviting a small number of friends and relatives of club employees.