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Europa League | Round-Of-32
Feb 20, 2014 at 8.05pm UK
 
Napoli logo

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Swansea City unable to find a way past Napoli

Swansea City are unable to take a first-leg lead against Napoli, despite being on top for the majority of the match.

Swansea City and Napoli have played out a goalless draw in the first leg of their Europa League round-of-32 match.

The visitors went close early on when Gokhan Inler ran forward before finding Jose Callejon. The Spaniard had time to pick his spot, but hit a low shot just past the far post.

Swansea's Nathan Dyer and Napoli's Gonzalo Higuain in action during their Europa League match on February 20, 2014© Getty Images

Napoli again showed their quality just minutes later, pouring forward in numbers. Marek Hamsik eventually produced a shot, drilling a powerful effort that Michel Vorm pushed wide.

However, Swansea showed that it was not all about Rafael Benitez's side with some great football of their own.

Nathan Dyer did well on the right flank, rolling the ball in to Pablo Hernandez before making himself available for the return pass.

He then curled a first-time effort towards the top corner, but Rafael Barbosa was able to put it behind for a corner. Wilfried Bony also hammered a volley wide for the home side.

The Swans probably should have taken the lead with just over 20 minutes played. Hernandez found Bony, who ran through with a clear sight of goal. He took too many touches, however, and Rafael produced a good save to keep it goalless.

Garry Monk's side continued to create chances as the first half reached its conclusion, but Jose Canas fired over, Ashley Williams missed with a header when free in the box, and Rafael just managed to keep out Angel Rangel's looping effort.

Napoli responded in the second half and had a big chance to take the lead. Gonzalo Higuain beat his man and was picked out by a cross over the top. He attempted to find the net with a volley, but blasted his effort a long way over.

Pepe Reina, who had come on for Rafael at the break, then denied Williams from close range. However, he made a much better save a few minutes later, keeping out Wayne Routledge's curling effort.

Bony missed another chance and Chico Flores fired his shot straight at Reina as the match entered the final 10 minutes.

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Swansea's Nathan Dyer and Napoli's Gonzalo Higuain in action during their Europa League match on February 20, 2014
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