China's soccer team hoping to end goal drought against Syria

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China will host Syria in Nanjing on Tuesday as the home side are looking to score for the first time since June.

Marcello Lippi's men have failed to find the back of the net in their last three games. This is the team's second match in four days, after being held to a 0-0 draw by India in Suzhou on Saturday.

China's most recent game against Syria was a 2-2 draw in Malaysia in June of last year. That result helped keep alive the PRC's hopes of qualifying for this summer's World Cup, but they ultimately finished fifth in their group.

Lippi has a sizable task ahead of them as the Asian Cup looms. /VCG Photo

The Syrians ended up third, but were eliminated by Australia in the next round. China have since won friendlies against Myanmar and Thailand in May and June, but started their scoreless drought with a 1-0 loss at Qatar last month.

Lippi's side followed up with a 0-0 draw at Bahrain, before doing the same against India over the weekend. The Italian coach says it is important for the squad to identify and fix their problems as they continue to warm up for the 2019 Asian Cup, which takes place in the UAE in January.