AC Milan's title challenge hit a hurdle as Palermo left the San Siro with a well-deserved victory.
The home side, who came into the contest on the back of five successive wins domestically, were undone by second-half efforts from Fabrizio Miccoli and Mark Bresciano.
Milan are now five points behind leaders Inter, who were held to a 1-1 draw at struggling Atalanta.
Palermo had just one away win under their belt prior to today but the 2-1 home defeat of Cagliari last weekend provided a sizeable fillip and they started in confident fashion.
The Sicilians ought to have taken the lead inside four minutes, Edinson Cavani bursting through only to drag his shot wide of Dida's right-hand post
It took the Rossoneri 17 minutes to create a chance of note with veteran Dutchman Clarence Seedorf whipping in a dangerous ball which eluded Palermo goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu but the outstretched figure of Marco Borriello was narrowly unable to convert.
Palermo responded just short of the half-hour mark when Bresciano found space down the left but his fierce drive was off target.
Borriello was looking the most dangerous player on view and he again threatened after 32 minutes with a mazy dribble which culminated in a shot which glanced Sirigu's upright.
Milan were starting to dominate in midfield and they came close once more after 33 minutes. Seedorf played in Gianluca Zambrotta but his drive from the edge of the area was inches wide.
Whatever coach Delio Rossi said to his Palermo charges during the half-time break clearly had the desired effect as they came out in determined mood and took the lead within four minutes of the restart.
The ball was played in to Miccoli and the former Fiorentina and Juventus striker cut in from the left and fired a right-footed shot past Dida.
Palermo doubled their advantage 13 minutes later with Miccoli this time the architect.
He whipped in a cross for Javier Pastore, whose efforts were thwarted by the Milan defence, but the loose ball fell to Bresciano and he made no mistake with a clinical finish.
Palermo were rampant and they almost made it 3-0 after 65 minutes with Cavani surging clear on the counter-attack only to ruin his good work with a wayward shot.
Milan rallied in the final 15 minutes but without any reward.
Substitute Filippo Inzaghi got on the end of a Massimo Ambrosini cross but his header, which was destined for the bottom corner, was well saved by Sirigu.
Sirigu excelled again in the 88th minute as he flew full length to divert Zambrotta's powerful drive away for a corner which came to nothing.
Milan were even denied a consolation in injury time when Alexandre Pato lost control having been put through, allowing the superb Sirigu to gather.
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