Barcelona were held to a 0-0 draw by Inter Milan as they began their quest to defend their European title at the San Siro.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Samuel Eto’o both lined up to play against their former sides after swapping clubs over the summer. With a wealth of attacking players on both sides goals were expected, however the game was most notable for its defending rather than free-flowing, attacking play.

Ibrahimovic had chances to score on his former stomping ground but missed the target on a number of occasions as he failed to illustrate quite why Barcelona had chosen to swap him for the industrious Eto’o, along with £40 million.

Eto’o looked determined to make a mark against his former team but his endless energy and enthusiasm went unrewarded thanks to Inter’s lack of ambition, especially in the second half.

Jose Mourinho’s other summer signings Diego Milito and Wesley Sneijder started for Inter, whilst Lionel Messi, Thierry Henry and Xavi lined up for Barcelona.

Ibrahimovic had a perfect opportunity to score after five minutes when a diagonal ball was played over the top. The Swedish striker controlled well but opted for power over precision and smashed his volley wide.

Inter’s defence looked shaky and they were lucky not to concede moments later when Dani Alves found Messi, however the Argentine’s header was well saved by Julio Cesar.

Mourinho’s team grew in confidence as Barcelona began to give possession away and Milito tested Victor Valdes with a low powerful shot from the left that was well saved. Sneijder found himself in space on the edge of the box soon after but blazed his shot over.

Barcelona should have scored with five minutes to half time when Sulley Muntari tried to see the ball out of play in the right back position. The former Portsmouth winger was robbed by Alves who found Seydou Keita in the box however he put his shot wide of the post.

Messi forced another good save from Cesar when he cut in from the right to shoot and he was nearly found by Ibrahimovic’s back-heel from the edge of the box but the ball ran through to the Inter keeper.

Sneijder sent a shot skimming past the post as the second half got under way but the Dutchman may feel he should have played in teammate Muntari who was unmarked to his left.

Barcelona reacted well and a Xavi’s ball found Ibrahimovic as he pulled off the back of Lucio however his attempt to flick the ball over Cesar was ambitious at best and the ball landed harmlessly on top of the net.

Barcelona began to dominate possession with some mesmerising passing, but they struggled to find a final ball past Inter’s stubborn defence with both Lucio and Walter Samuel making vital interceptions.

Milito had a great opportunity when he was played through by Eto’o however his first touch took him away from goal and substitute Dejan Stankovic blazed the ball just wide with his first touch.

Pep Guardiola’s side continued to dominate with slick passing and should have scored when Henry played in a low cross but Messi managed to scoop the ball over the bar.

Inter offered little attacking intent as the game wore on and looked happy to hang on for a share of the points.

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