[Forza_Roma]

Serie A Week 34 - 29/4/07 (14.00 UK)

Livorno 1 - 2 Palermo
Corini pen 48 (P), Cesar pen 58 (L), Di Michele 75 (P)
Stadio Picchi

Palermo returned to victory on new Coach Renzo Gobbo's debut in a match with some very controversial refereeing.

The Rosanero made their debut with new Coaching team Renzo Gobbo and youth team boss Rosario Pergolizzi after Francesco Guidolin was fired this week. They had the advantage of facing a Livorno side shorn of their star striker, the suspended Cristiano Lucarelli, as well as Marco Amelia and Carmine Coppola. Andrea Pisano sat out a ban for the Sicilians.

Palermo had not won here in Serie A since 1949, but got off to a strong start with both David Di Michele and Fabio Simplicio shooting off target.

Former Rosanero star Stefano Morrone's snapshot stung Alberto Fontana's palms.

Fabio Simplicio hit the back of the net, but only earned a yellow card for his obvious handling offence.

Paulinho was closed down by the goalkeeper and intelligently cut back for Stefano Fiore, but a desperate defensive tackle deflected it over the bar.

Livorno were increasing the pressure and Mark Bresciano was forced into a goalline clearance to deny Fabio Galante's towering header.

Emanuele Manitta had a scare when he fumbled a cross, but was able to recover the situation under pressure. Paulinho's spin and volley was off target just before the break.

Palermo took the lead in controversial circumstances just after the restart. Di Michele ran into the area and fell as Manitta tried to get the ball, but there did not seem to be any real contact with the player. Nonetheless, the referee pointed to the spot and Eugenio Corini marked his comeback by converting the penalty.

Livorno returned the favour with a similarly debatable spot-kick for Guana's shirt-tug on Morrone. Cesar Aparecido took the penalty duties in Lucarelli's absence and buried the left-foot kick over Fontana to equalise.

Corini had a free kick well saved, while at the other end substitute Marc Pfertzel went on a solo run and his finish flashed across the face of goal.

Palermo went 2-1 up with a fine team goal. Corini's first-time pass sent Di Michele clear on goal and his smart chip left Manitta helpless.

Edison Cavani should have killed off the game five minutes from time, but drilled over with his left foot when it might've been easier to score.

Livorno: Manitta; Grandoni, Galante, Knezevic, Pavan; Filippini, Morrone (Bergvold 77), Passoni, Cesar (Pfertzel 67); Fiore (Vidigal 69); Paulinho

Palermo: Fontana; Biava, Barzagli, Zaccardo; Diana, Guana, Corin (Tedesco 84)i, Simplicio, Bresciano (Cavani 61); Di Michele (Ciaramitaro 81); Caracciolo

Ref: Giannoccaro

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