Lazio were held to a 1-1 draw by FC Zurich in Thursday night's Europa League Group D encounter at the Letzigrund Stadium.

Giuseppe Sculli put Lazio ahead in the 22nd minute but Zurich equalised seconds later through Nikci Adrian.

Both teams spurned chances to take all three points and the result will be of little comfort for either side, who are winless after three games.

Lazio went into the encounter in Switzerland inspired by Sunday's 2-1 triumph over Roma in the city derby.

Lazio coach Edy Reja opted to rest Miroslav Klose, who scored the winner against Roma, and fielded Sculli alongside Djibril Cisse in attack.

The Italians went ahead in what was their first chance of the game.

Andre Dias headed Hernanes' corner towards the area and Sculli struck the ball from 12 yards past Zurich goalkeeper Andrea Guatelli.

Lazio's joy was shortlived as the home side pulled level 20 seconds later.

Alexandre Alphonse fed Nikci inside the area and his right-footed strike towards the upper left corner beat Lazio goalkeeper Federico Marchetti.

At the other end, Matuzalem's bullet strike from the edge of the area was kept out by Guatelli.

In the 36th minute, Nenad Lulic almost scored an own goal as he misplaced a back header over Marchetti but the ball went high.

Before half-time, Cisse's right-footed volley went just wide of the far post.

Reja made his first substitution early in the second half with Tommaso Rocchi replacing Lorik Cana.

Lazio showed more determination and could have gone back in front before the hour mark had an unmarked Sculli not fired over the bar from a good position.

Shortly after, Hernanes warmed the hands of Guatelli with a stinging drive from 30 yards.

In the 63rd minute, Zurich were almost gifted an opportunity for a second goal.

Stefan Radu's poor clearance fell straight into the path of Alphonse, who only had Marchetti to beat but fired wide.

With 20 minutes remaining, Guatelli made a fine save to clear Cisse's 20-yard shot.

The visitors could have clinched victory two minutes from time but substitute Libor Kozak headed Hernanes' cross just wide of the far post.