Cash-strapped Roma, without injured new signing Adriano, had the bulk of the play but clear-cut chances were at a premium as Serie A kicked off for the first time as a breakaway division independent of the rest of the Italian league.
Visiting Cesena, who have made some handy signings for their first Serie A appearance in 19 years, could even have snatched a shock winner in the second half.
In the day's earlier game, Genoa opened the Serie A season with a 1-0 win at Udinese thanks to substitute Giandomenico Mesto's overhead kick nine minutes from time.
Antonio Di Natale, who snubbed a move to Juventus in midweek, had Udinese's best chance in the pouring rain but the home side struggled in coach Francesco Guidolin's first game back in charge having failed to strengthen their squad.
