|
Edison Cavani made a sensational Serie A debut to earn 10-man Palermo a point against Fiorentina.
This clash was a crucial turning point in the battle for European spots, as despite facing a 15-point Calciopoli penalty, the Viola were part of the chasing pack closing in on third-placed Palermo. Luca Toni returned to face the club he left in bitter circumstances two seasons ago, but the Rosanero were without Amauri, Eugenio Corini and the suspended Andrea Caracciolo.
Toni hit the back of the net after six minutes, but the goal was disallowed for a tight offside position. At the other end David Di Michele skipped back and his low drive was deflected wide by a desperate Alessandro Gamberini sliding tackle.
Toni again went close with his six-yard finish skimming the near post, but Palermo wasted a golden opportunity on 25 minutes. Franco Brienza had the entire goal to aim at from nine yards, but somehow managed to balloon over the bar!
The Stadio Barbera was already a powderkeg and it exploded when Fiorentina took the lead in highly controversial circumstances. Roberto Guana had the ball when he suddenly fell to the ground with a thigh problem, but Adrian Mutu pounced on the sphere and sprinted forward, dribbling past two players to fire in from the edge of the area. Palermo were understandably livid and Di Michele was booked for his animated protests, but the goal stood.
Di Michele had the chance to equalise almost immediately, but incredibly tripped up and fresh-air shot the ball from eight yards. Palermo Coach Francesco Guidolin was sent off for dissent and, as he went, had to be dragged away from a furious row with Fiorentina's Cesare Prandelli.
Tomas Ujfalusi combined with Toni for Alberto Fontana to eventually parry the Italian's finish and Brienza drilled a good opportunity wide for the Rosanero.
After the restart there were two stunning chances in the space of 30 seconds. First Di Michele's header was fingertipped out of the top corner, then Toni brought a save out of Fontana with his hook and strike from the edge of the area.
Brienza's free kick flashed just wide of the near post and Palermo threw on Uruguayan forward Edison Cavani for his Serie A debut.
Fontana pushed away another Mutu solo run, Fabio Simplicio took advantage of Gamberini's error to nod just over the bar.
Palermo's hopes were hit hard by Cristian Zaccardo's second bookable offence for a late tackle from behind on Manuel Pasqual. However, it was straight after this setback that the Rosanero equalised with debutant Cavani. The Uruguayan netted with a fantastic right-foot volley from the wide edge of the area that slotted into the near top corner. Sebastien Frey had no chance with this wonder strike.
| 
