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Genoa fought back from a dubious penalty for this surprise victory at crisis-hit Palermo that could spell the end for Francesco Guidolin.
These two teams were level pegging going into the game, both eight points adrift of a UEFA Cup place. Tension was sky high in Sicily after a vicious row between President Maurizio Zamparini and Coach Francesco Guidolin. Fans hoped for a repeat of the 3-3 thriller at Marassi back in October, especially after Genoa held Inter midweek. Andrea Barzagli was the only player suspended, but the Rossoblu had won here only once in Serie A back in 1935.
Palermo had a very aggressive start notching up a series of corner kicks, but Genoa also threatened on the counter with Alberto Fontana using his body to block Giuseppe Sculli's finish from six yards.
There was controversy on 22 minutes when Santos came sliding in for a tackle on Edison Cavani. The referee pointed to the spot, but replays suggest the defender got the ball. Nonetheless, Amauri converted despite Alessio Scarpi guessing the right angle, as the ball squirmed under him.
Amauri made a point of dedicating the goal to Guidolin, but Cavani was injured in the move and went off with an ankle problem.
Genoa restored parity just seven minutes later with a wonderful goal from Lucho Figueroa. The Argentine curled the ball with his left foot from outside the area to ricochet in off the inside of the upright.
Amauri tested Scarpi's reflexes on the counter-attack and just before the break Figueroa brought a tough save out of Fontana at the near post.
In the second half Genoa took a surprise lead. Figueroa crossed low from the left channel for Omar Milanetto to come sliding in with the finish from six yards.
A magnificent Bosko Jankovic volley from the D shook the crossbar to startle Scarpi.
However, the Rossoblu extended their advantage with Abdoullay Konko's powerful header from a corner kick.
Federico Balzaretti's rocket was palmed into the path of Fabio Simplicio, but the Brazilian incredibly failed to get the follow-up on target.
Simplicio's spectacular overhead kick turned into an assist for Tedesco to nod over from a couple of yards.
Amauri got a consolation goal in the final seconds, but the splendid right-foot curler in off the inside of the upright didn't stem the disappointment of the home fans.
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