Liverpool stayed on top of Europa League Group K after a second-string side drew 0-0 against Napoli on Thursday.
Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson rested his biggest stars. Captain Steven Gerrard and Spain striker Fernando Torres were left out and Hodgson gave a competitive debut to 18-year-old midfielder Jonjo Shelvey, while also including young players Martin Kelly and Jay Spearing.
''There were a lot of positives from that performance,'' Hodgson said, ''even if no-one would have thought that would be the team we put out. Overall I'm pleased because we are still first in the group.''
Both sides lacked inspiration and the introduction of England midfielder Joe Cole 15 minutes from fulltime failed to spark Liverpool.
Napoli came closest to breaking the deadlock at the end of the first half, when Marek Hamsik saw his low shot cleared off the line by defender Paul Konchesky.
Following overnight trouble between supporters, the match began in subdued fashion and it wasn't until the 19th minute that either side managed a shot on goal, but Napoli striker Ezequiel Lavezzi blazed a shot high over the bar.
''I was pleased with the second half,'' Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri said. ''I wasn't pleased with how we played in the first half, but considering who our opponent was I was pleased with how we played.
''Hodgson put out a good team even if Gerrard and Torres weren't there, its a strong squad. Plus Liverpool is Liverpool and has more experience of playing in European competition.''
Shelvey fired a long-range shot in the 37th, but it flew wide of Morgan De Sanctis' goal.
Just before halftime Konchesky kept Liverpool in the match. Following a corner, Cavani crossed low, Hamsik shot, but the fullback was still in position on the post and scrambled the ball clear.
After the break both sides increased their tempo and in the 54th Pepe Reina had to dive low to stop Edinson Cavani's shot.
Cavani then headed wide in the 60th and Napoli's Salvatore Aronica and Liverpool's Ryan Babel had shots stopped.
Cole could do little to lift his side and with nine minutes to go David Ngog's shot was blocked by Aronica.
''I thought our defense was excellent,'' Mazzarri said. ''Liverpool hardly had a chance to score.''
