Amauri sinks former club

A last-gasp goal from substitute Amauri condemned his former club Palermo to a 2-1 defeat at Parma.

A last-gasp goal from substitute Amauri condemned his former club Palermo to a 2-1 defeat at Parma, as the Gialloblu claimed a third consecutive victory in Serie A. Relegation-threatened Palermo had failed to win in seven previous visits to the Stadio Ennio Tardini, mustering only four draws, and they were never ahead today, but a refreshed line-up caused Parma plenty of trouble on the counter-attack. Parma survived their visitors' early enthusiasm to snatch the lead through Ishak Belfodil midway through the second half but Igor Budan pegged his former employers back with an equalising header. There were half-chances for Gian Piero Gasperini's men to edge a first win in Parma since their promotion in 2004, but Brazilian striker Amauri ensured they went home empty-handed with a confident finish three minutes into stoppage-time. A new-look Palermo side took the game to their hosts in the early exchanges, with fine work from debutant Giulio Sanseverino just going to waste as Franco Brienza shot narrowly wide. Old habits die hard, though, and recent recruit Salvatore Aronica was caught at sixes and sevens on the Palermo backline, only Belfodil's lack of accuracy sparing the veteran defender's blushes. Antonio Mirante coped admirably with a long-range drive from Josip Ilicic as Palermo grew back into the game, and Marco Parolo went close at the other end with Francesco Benussi left rooted to the spot. Both sides exchanged solid chances going into the break, Benussi sweeping the ball off Belfodil's feet before Mirante pounced on a splendid left-footed effort from Ilicic. The prodding and teasing continued after the interval, with Belfodil arrowing a header into Benussi's gloves and Paulo Dybala threatening a goal on the counter. It was the hosts who made the breakthrough in the 63rd minute, Belfodil connecting well with an inswinging corner to put Parma on course for victory. Roberto Donadoni's men had seized the initiative but Belfodil could not double up when fed by Jonathan Biabiany moments after registering the opening goal. Ilicic had been behind much of Palermo's best work and he duly provided the killer ball for the Sicilians' equaliser five minutes from time. The Slovenian wriggled free to pick out Budan from the wing and the ex-Parma man headed home from close range. Palermo had battled hard in pursuit of a rare point at the Tardini but former club favourite Amauri would deny them a share of the spoils at the death. The imposing striker made himself big in the penalty area, brushing off the attentions of Benussi and his backline to steer the ball into the back of the net.