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| Palermo still in the hunt for CL |
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Palermo remained in the hunt for Champions League football thanks to a victory that confirmed Siena's relegation.
Goals from Edison Cavani and Fabrizio Miccoli in either half put the visitors in control, and Siena could not find a way back despite Emanuele Calaio's 80th-minute strike.
The win left Palermo two points behind fourth-placed Sampdoria, who they take on at home next weekend.
Even a victory for Siena would not have been enough to preserve their top-flight status as Bologna got a point at Atalanta.
However, the hosts started the game very much like a side fighting for their lives.
Paul Codrea tested Palermo goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu early, but he made the save at the second attempt.
Moments later, Simon Kjaer botched his clearance from Massimo Maccarone and was relieved to see the ball spin inches wide of the left-hand upright.
But, despite Siena's early possession, it was Palermo who took the lead in the 24th minute.
Antonio Nocerino's cross found Cavani and he volleyed home from close range, leaving Gianluca Curci with no chance.
They were inches away from adding a second in the 36th minute, but Mattia Cassani's shot came back off the left-hand post.
At the other end, Palermo were grateful to Sirigu for an outstanding save, keeping out Abdelkader Ghezzal's header from point-blank range.
Despite having the half-time lead, Palermo were far from comfortable as Siena, who had dominated prior to the goal, rose again and enjoyed the better of the play before the break.
And it was the hosts who started the second half the brighter too.
Maccarone had a superb chance to level the match in the 52nd minute. After breaking into the area from the left he had only Sirigu left to beat, but dragged his shot wide.
They were made to pay for the miss as Palermo doubled their advantage two minutes before the hour mark.
Federico Balzaretti crossed for Miccoli and, after defender Francesco Pratali slipped to afford him plenty of space, he easily beat Curci with a right-footed shot.
Siena again tried to respond, but Emanuele Calaio's header from Aleandro Rosi's cross was easy for Sirigu.
At the other end, Abel Hernandez broke down the left before crossing for Javier Pastore, but Curci got down well to make the save.
Siena finally got a reward for their hard work 10 minutes from time when Maccarone crossed in from the left and Calaio headed the ball back across goal and beyond the reach of Sirigu.
However, they could not find another as they slipped out of the division.
Palermo are now assured of Europa League football at the least, but will fancy their chances of booking a place in UEFA's premier competition as they go head to head with Samp on home soil next weekend.
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