Sampdoria 2-0 at the Stadio Renzo Barbera on Sunday afternoon as the home side kept their chances of Serie A survival alive.
Franco Vazquez opened the scoring in the first half while Alberto Gilardino sealed the win with five minutes remaining in the game.
The Rosanero started the first half with more of the ball but Samp dictated the play once they were trailing. Fabio Quagliarella volleyed wide for the Blucerchiati and then Oscar Hiljemark headed straight at Emiliano Viviano in the Doria goal.
In the 18th minute, Andrea Ranocchia failed to clear the ball in his own half, got dispossessed by a Palermo player, and Vazquez dribbled into the penalty box to slide the ball past Viviano.
Sampdoria built play up slowly after they had conceded the opening goal. Ricky Alvarez had two shots saved by Rosanero shot-stopper Stefano Sorrentino, Lorenzo De Silvestri had a shot cleared by Thiago Cionek and Roberto Soriano nearly scored after a corner. Viviano then saved an effort from Palermo wing-back Michel Morganella and Milan Skriniar cleared the ball away.
The second half was a lacklustre affair as Palermo were content to sit on their lead and Sampdoria became sluggish and uninspired in possession. Vazquez curled a shot wide and then Gilardino had a shot saved by Gilardino.
The Sicilian side extended their lead after 85 minutes. Vazquez dribbled past Viviano and crossed the ball, then after a scramble, Gilardino slid in to knock the ball into the net.
Palermo now has 35 points and are level with Carpi in the Serie A table while Samp remain on 40.
