Parma 1-0 Palermo

Christian Zaccardo scored the only goal to give Parma coach Francesco Guidolin a Serie A win over his old club Palermo.

Guidolin guided the Sicilian side into the top flight during his time in charge, then took them into the UEFA Cup, but it was his current side that came away with their second win of the season at the Stadio Ennio Tardini.

While the first half was all Parma, the second period belonged to the visitors and Guidolin could be grateful to a string of good saves from Antonio Mirante.

The hosts were on the front foot from the start, Stefano Morrone connecting with Jonathan Biabiany's cross from the left but sending his effort over the bar.

And they were in front after 17 minutes, when Davide Lanzafame sent in a free-kick from 25 yards and Zaccardo headed home from close range.

It was almost 2-0 two minutes later from another Lanzafame cross.

Alberto Paloschi connected this time, but sent his header against the bar.

Palermo had their first meaningful effort after 23 minutes, a volley from 25 yards which went wide right.

At the other end, Edinson Cavani should have done better from close range when Mattia Cassani sent in a low cross from the right.

Lanzafame's delivery was a constant threat to Palermo and was almost their undoing again five minutes before the break when Christian Panucci headed his corner over the bar.

Palermo's chances were few and far between, one rare opportunity falling to Javier Pastore, whose 25-yard curler presented Mirante with an easy save.

Mirante then did his best to give his opponents a hand, dropping a cross from the left to hand a great chance to Nicolas Bertolo, who missed from close range.

And there was still time for Panucci to send another header over the bar at the other end before the half-time whistle blew.

Palermo came out with a little more fight after the break and Fabrizio Miccoli ran down the right before crossing to Cavani, who fired wide from 10 yards.

A little after the hour mark Federico Balzaretti volleyed from 25 yards but could not test Mirante.

At the other end, Zaccardo put Biabiany into the Palermo box, but the Frenchman fired wide.

Mirante was in the thick of the action as the half progressed, saving a drilled shot from Miccoli which was destined for the left corner.

The Parma goalkeeper then had to be at his best to pull off a fine stop to repel a 25-yard Fabio Simplicio missile, before saving with his feet when Mattia Cassani shot from the edge of the box.

Igor Budan then wasted a good chance from six yards Miccoli shot wide from the edge of the box as Palermo battled without luck for a leveller.