| Denis Godeas gave Palermo victory in the Sicilian derby, although both sides had precious little to play for other than local bragging rights. This was a heated Sicilian derby and a tense occasion all round, as Messina were smarting from their relegation and the humiliation of their own fans pelting them with tomatoes last week. Palermo were still chasing an Intertoto Cup spot and welcomed back Eugenio Corini from injury. The visitors had a long absentee list that included Filippo Antonelli, Carmine Coppola, Marco Storari, Gaetano D’Agostino and the suspended Filippo Cristante, Marco Zanchi and Duccio Innocenti.
Sergio Floccari had the opportunity to break the deadlock within the opening seconds, but he somehow managed to drill wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Mario Alberto Santana also wasted a good chance after some great build-up play from Eugenio Corini and David Di Michele.
Palermo took the lead after 33 minutes when goalkeeper Caglioni only managed to parry a fierce Rinaudo strike into the path of a diving Denis Godeas header.
Santana nearly made it 2-0, but his swerving shot with the outside of his boot only skimmed the woodwork.
Floccari unleashed a rocket that clipped the edge of the crossbar after the restart.
Marc Zoro managed to close down Godeas in a good scoring opportunity and Floccari tested Federico Agliardi.
Cristian Zaccardo bravely prevented a certain goal by flinging himself at Giuseppe Sculli's strike.
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