Malesani still waiting for victory

Alberto Malesani is still waiting for his first win as Palermo head coach after a goalless draw with Genoa.

Alberto Malesani is still waiting for his first win as Palermo head coach as his former club Genoa held the Rosanero to a goalless draw at the Stadio Renzo Barbera. Palermo needed well over an hour to get warmed up and, just as their engines were roaring into life, they lost Salvatore Aronica to a red card, effectively ending their hopes of picking up more than a point. Genoa proved once again how difficult they are to break down since former Palermo boss Davide Ballardini took over, and they will treasure a point that gives them a five-point cushion over the bottom three. Palermo, meanwhile, remain rooted to the bottom of the table, six points adrift of safety. Genoa showed why they have not lost in four games since Ballardini took the job for the second time as they appeared superior to their hosts. The best chances were created by the Rossoblu, for whom Marco Borriello and Andrea Bertolacci were the biggest threats. The two combined on the half-hour mark with the former shooting straight at Stefano Sorrentino from six yards out. Ten minutes later, Bertolacci saw his shot saved by the Palermo keeper, who kept his side in the game going into the break. In the second half, it was the turn of Sorrentino's opposite number Sebastien Frey to keep Genoa on level terms. He saved Genoa with an instinctive block to deny Mauro Boselli from just two yards out as the home side finally got a clear sight of goal in the 72nd minute. Three minutes later, Fabrizio Miccoli's shot was deflected wide as the Sicilians suddenly switched into the right gear. But just a minute later, Aronica was shown a second yellow card for an unnecessary foul on Borriello on the touchline when there was no danger. Palermo's hopes were compromised and they had to be grateful to Sorrentino again for two saves on Borriello in the last five minutes.