Stoke frustrated by Genoa

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The Potters had plenty of chances to beat their Italian opponents, but instead had to settle for a fourth successive clean sheet in pre-season.

Peter Crouch almost gave Stoke the lead after just 10 minutes, but his header struck the post following a fine ball from Jon Walters.

The same players linked up again on 25 minutes, this time Crouch was the provider, but his knock-down was fired straight at Genoa keeper Mattia Perin by Walters from six yards out.

The Premier League side created another opportunity on the half-hour mark as Geoff Cameron and Crouch combined for Steven N’Zonzi to fire wide when Walters was better placed.

And before half-time, Stoke came close again when Robert Huth’s header forced a fine save out of Perin.

The second half failed to match their tempo of the first, but it was a pleasing performance for Hughes ahead of his first competitive fixture in charge of Stoke at Liverpool next weekend.