Palermo closed in on the top four in Serie A thanks to a 2-1 victory over Parma.
Simplicio steals the points late on at Stadio Renzo Barbera
Palermo closed in on the top four thanks to a 2-1 victory over Parma thanks to a late strike from Fabio Simplicio.
Edinson Cavani broke the deadlock just after the hour mark before Jonathan Biabiany equalised on 73 minutes for Parma - now managed by Palermo legend Francesco Guidolin.
The home win at the Stadio Renzo Barbera moves them to within a point of top-four hopefuls Napoli, and Palermo must now be considered contenders in the race.
Biabiany's equaliser looked like it might be enough for the Parma coach to celebrate his return to Sicily with a point, but a winner from Simplicio on 87 minutes ensured Palermo kept the heat on the sides at the top.
Guidolin struggled to fight back the tears as he emerged to a very warm welcome from the Palermo fans, who recognised his efforts during four different spells with the club.
He was the man who led the Rosanero into Serie A in 2004 and then into the Uefa Cup twice, and this was his first return as an opposing coach at the Renzo Barbera.
Delio Rossi is now on the Palermo bench and he has lifted the club into contention for a renewed European qualification, and they started brightly.
Chances
Cavani's low cross from the right found Miccoli near the penalty spot but he lifted his shot over the crossbar.
Parma packed most of their team behind the ball and spent the first half frustrating their hosts.
Only when they emerged with a little more confidence in the second half, and after Francesco Lunardini had their first shot on goal in the 46th minute, did spaces start to open up.
Palermo tried to take advantage with Cavani scuppering his first chance in the 52nd minute when he was put through with only Antonio Mirante to beat, but he slipped as he tried to nudge the ball past the Parma goalkeeper.
Cavani had the ball in the back of the net 10 minutes later, with a far more difficult effort, heading Miccoli's free-kick into the far corner from 11 yards.
Controversy
Parma levelled matters in controversial circumstances.
Cavani was moving into position to shoot from the edge of the area when he had his legs taken from under him by Daniele Galloppa in the 70th minute.
Not only did referee Nicola Pierpaoli not award a free-kick, but he allowed play to carry on as the Palermo players and even Guidolin called for the ball to be kicked out of play to allow the home striker to receive treatment.
However, Biabiany carried on regardless, raced down the other end of the field and lifted the ball over Salvatore Sirigu to equalise.
An angry Palermo channelled their frustration into getting a winner, and it arrived just three minutes from time with Simplicio blasting the ball unstoppably into the top corner after being set up by Miccoli.
