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Fabrizio Miccoli gave Palermo their first win of 2008, but 41-year-old goalkeeper Alberto Fontana was decisive as he saved Livorno's penalty.
Francesco Guidolin's side were coming off three straight defeats and a Coppa Italia exit, while Leandro Rinaudo was suspended and new signing Federico Balzaretti received his debut. Livorno's nine-match unbeaten run was ended by Juventus and they were without Martin Bergvold, Giuliano Giannichedda, Alessandro Grandoni and banned Daniele De Vezze.
Curiously, this Serie A match has not ended in a draw since a 2-2 result on October 14, 1934.
Edison Cavani nodded a Fabrizio Miccoli cross into Marco Amelia's arms and Roberto Guana skimmed the far post by redirecting another assist from the former Benfica star.
The Rosanero had the better of the early play and Amauri's header was just off target, but the team appeared to be visibly nervous after their dismal start to 2008. The only confident figure was Balzaretti, who fired up the Barbera crowd on his debut after the switch from Fiorentina this week.
Livorno had the best chance of the first half, though, as on 22 minutes Erjon Bogdani spun round between two defenders for a decent half-volley, but veteran goalkeeper Alberto 'Jimmy' Fontana performed a stunning one-handed point-blank reaction save. Fontana did well to stand his ground and smother the shot.
There were anxious moments for Amelia, who allowed a cross to squirm off his chest and a series of follow-ups from Amauri and Miccoli failed to find the back of the net.
Cavani went on a splendid solo run, holding off Pasqual's challenge before Simone Pavan's sliding tackle deflected his shot wide. From the resulting corner Caserta's volley into the ground took a deflection and Amelia flew to fingertip it out from under the crosssbar.
Livorno again were only denied an opener by the reflexes of Fontana, who was at full stretch to push Francesco Tavano's angled drive round the base of the far post.
From the resulting corner kick Cristian Zaccardo blocked a Tavano effort by raising his arm. He was trying to protect his face, but did lift his arm straight up, so the referee opted for the penalty. However, 41-year-old Fontana's astonishing performance continued as he tipped Tavano's spot-kick out of the bottom far corner!
Zaccardo had the opportunity to make up for that error after the restart when Miccoli chipped an inspired pass over the defence, but the World Cup winner incredibly flashed his shot across the face of goal with only Amelia to beat.
Defender Zaccardo went close again as his header skimmed the far post. Tempers flared on the Palermo bench, as Cavani was substituted and refused to shake Francesco Guidolin's hand, earning a reprimand from the Coach.
Dario Knezevic cleared a dangerous Zaccardo ball into the six-yard box, as Palermo were now dominating the match.
The deadlock was finally broken on 77 minutes by Miccoli. A corner kick was not dealt with effectively and fell to Miccoli at the edge of the box for a strike that slipped past Amelia at the near post, mainly due to its sheer power. It was the 'pocket striker's sixth of the season.
In the final minute Amelia parried a glancing Amauri header and, as the move continued, Miccoli amusingly lost his shinpad while firing up the shot.
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