Lazio 1-1 Palermo

A late goal from Mauro Zarate spared Lazio's blushes at the Stadio Olimpico as the Romans salvaged a point against Palermo.

The hosts looked to be heading for their third consecutive home defeat of the season following substitute Edison Cavani's 75th minute opener for Palermo.

But Zarate popped up in the final five minutes to snatch a share of the spoils for Lazio.

The hosts dominated the encounter against a toothless Palermo that lacked creativity in attack.

Palermo coach Walter Zenga left Rubinho out of his starting XI after his under-par performances of late, opting instead to play with Salvatore Sirigu in goal.

The 22-year-old Sirigu made a huge impression, making crucial saves to make sure the Sicilian giants took home a point.

It was the visitors that enjoyed a strong start.

Fabio Simplicio turned Giulio Migliaccio's cross narrowly wide after 13 minutes played, while shortly after, Mark Bresciano fired high over the bar as Lazio struggled to cope with the early pressure.

But that soon changed.

The hosts had the first chance on 20 minutes with Pasquale Foggia's 30-yard bullet-strike going inches wide of Sirigu's far post.

Midway through the first half, Sirigu was called upon to deny Zarate's drive and soon followed up that save with another stunning intervention to keep out Roberto Baronio's attempt from the distance.

Lazio thought they had taken the lead on 39 minutes but Simon Kjaer made a headed goalline clearance after Sirigu got a touch but was unable to clear Foggia's effort on target.

On the stroke of half-time, Foggia again tested Sirigu but this time the keeper did well to save his right-footed strike from the edge of the area.

Lazio picked up where they left off after the re-start and almost broke the deadlock on 56 minutes.

Zarate beat the offside trap only for his close-range effort to parried away by Sirigu.

The hosts were made to pay for their failure to make the most of their chances as Palermo took the lead with 15 minutes remaining.

Cavani, who had entered the pitch shortly before the hour mark, fired a right-footed strike from distance that beat Lazio goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.

The hosts did not give up and their efforts were rewarded.

Zarate got onto Tommaso Rocchi's pass inside the area before firing a bullet strike past Sirigu.

Lazio continued to surge forward in search of the winner and enjoyed a hatful of chances to take the lead.

Sirigu made a fine save from Zarate's left-footed strike from the edge of the area.

Shortly after, Roberto Baronio's effort from the distance went high and wide.

Rocchi's effort from inside the area was parried away by Sirigu before Stefano Mauri wasted a great opportunity.

Mauri fired wide from close range with Sirigu already beaten, much to the shock of the fans at the Stadio Olimpico.

Palermo held on for their second straight tie following their 3-3 draw over Roma in midweek.