0-0 draw with Napoli in final preseason fixture
RCD Espanyol match the Italian side for intensity and solidity
Espanyol were held to a goalless draw by SSC Napoli in their final preseason friendly, showing their competitive level against one of the top sides in Italy's Serie A.
Los Pericos knew that they were facing their toughest test of the summer, against a side who regularly feature in the Champions League and are contenders for the 'Scudetto' this season.
Diego Martinez' side attempted to play as a block at all times, and were defensively solid. Further up the field, there were also signs of quality.
The best opportunities for the home side did not come until the second half. Osimhen, the leading striker for the Italian team, was controlled and slowed down by the RCD Espanyol central defenders and by Lecomte, who disrupted every move that the forward attempted.
A shot by Joselu that appeared to have crossed the line before being cleared by the goalkeeper, and a subsequent header by Vini, sent away by Anguissa, were the best chances for Los Pericos in the second half. Near the end, Luca also put Contini to the test, and he responded with a good clearance to ensure that the game ended in a stalemate.