A first-half strike from Franco Vazquez was enough to guide Palermo to a 1-0 victory over bottom-of-the-table Bologna in their Serie A clash this afternoon.

The home side were the first to threaten when Saphir Taider was allowed two attempts at goal in the early stages of the game, but his two strikes from the edge of the box went wide of the post.

Bologna continued to press and Anthony Mounier almost gave them the lead with a low strike at goal, but his effort was well saved by Stefano Sorrentino, while Mattia Destro then sent a headed effort wide of the post after latching onto a cross from Franco Brienza.

Palermo took the lead against the run of play in the 23rd minute as Oscar Hiljemark played a through ball into the path of Vazquez and he found the bottom corner with a low strike.

The visitors searched for a second goal before the break, but Andrea Rispoli saw his effort well saved by Antonio Mirante.

Bologna upped the ante in the second half as they tried to find an equaliser, but Destro put his header wide of the post after he met a cross from the right from the boot of Adam Masina.

The hosts came close again with further efforts from Matteo Mancosu and Godfred Donsah, but Sorrentino made good stops to keep the visitors ahead.

Brienza had one late chance to attempt to earn his side a share of the spoils. However, he sent his strike wide of the post as Palermo held out for three points to move up to 12th in the table, while Bologna remain bottom.