Michele Fini's goal gave Cagliari the Derby delle Isole and confirmed their excellent home form.

The Islanders were both flying high after prestigious victories last weekend over Sampdoria and Milan respectively, but above all was a special moment for Davide Ballardini. The Rosanero Coach took Cagliari to an incredible salvation last season, yet his contract was not renewed. Igor Budan doesn't make the trip after undergoing surgery, while Ferri and Davide Biondini are out for the home team.

Daniele Conti shaved a coat of paint off the crossbar from 20 metres and Edison Cavani flashed his shot across the face of goal rather than set up the better positioned Fabrizio Miccoli.

The deadlock was broken after 34 minutes. Jeda threaded through for Andrea Cossu who rolled across for Michele Fini to tap in at the back post from six yards, but there were suspicions of offside over the goalscorer.

Marchetti plucked a Cavani looping header out of the air, but Alessandro Matri drilled wide from point-blank range.

Marchetti flew to palm a stunning Miccoli shot out of the top corner of the net.

Miccoli thought he had scored on 85 minutes, but it was disallowed because he was offside when Marchetti parried Mattia Cassani's strike.

Palermo should have equalised again moments later, but Cavani's header hit the crossbar and substitute Levan Mchedlidze failed to meet the rebound.