Al Shabab’s aspirations have received a huge boost after they held star-studded Serie A giants Lazio to a goalless draw.

A side containing elite players such as Senegal forward Keita Balde Diao, Italy centre midfielder Marco Parolo and Argentina defensive midfielder Lucas Biglia was unable to break down the Arabian Gulf League-outfit during Sunday’s friendly meeting in Marienfeld, Germany.

New boss Fred Rutten saw goalkeeper Hassan Hamza do well to repel a first-half effort from Biglia, although Moldova forward Henrique Luvannor and Uzbekistan stalwart Azizbek Haydarov also threatened at the other end.

“The game was very useful for the team because it was in front of Lazio, who are a large and organised club,” the Dutch supremo said. “The performance of my team was my first concern during the match and we did well.”

Meanwhile, 2016 AFC Champions League quarter-finalists Al Ain enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 triumph against German minnows SC Anger.

The Boss have been forced to recalibrate pre-season plans because of bad weather in Austria and a failure to secure an early release for their eight-strong UAE contingent. A hastily-arranged friendly was played on Sunday night with a side who compete in the 12th tier of German football.

This low-key affair saw Brazilian striker Douglas claim a double, while Colombian flyer Danilo Asprilla dribbled clear to stylishly plunder the third.