Francesco Guidolin's side had the better opportunities against their hosts but wasteful finishing ensured Toro kept their clean sheet intact.

The Sicilians remain in fourth place and, potentially, a place in next year's Champions League, while Toro gain another point that will help them keep any lingering relegation fears at bay.

Palermo made a strong start with Andrea Carraciolo's deflected shot turned away by Christian Abbiati.

Next it was the turn of Palermo's World Cup-winning defender Cristian Zaccardo to spurn a chance as his header was pawed away by Abbiati.

The goalkeeper had to foil Carraciolo again minutes later as the Sicilians belied their recent dip in form with an impressive opening to the match.

But at the other end veteran goalkeeper Alberto Fontana was forced to make a fine save to deny Cesare Bovo.

Fontana came to the rescue again to save from Roberto Muzzi while at the other end David Di Michele fired a free-kick straight into the Torino wall.

Elvis Abbruscato missed a chance when he failed to trouble Fontana after connecting with Muzzi's cross and the 40-year-old custodian was soon in action again as he made a save from a Bovo free-kick.

Torino were looking more and more assured after their slow start and towards the end of the first half had the better of the game as they looked to continue the good recent run under Gianni De Biasi who has revived a team threatened with relegation under his predecessor Alberto Zaccheroni.

However, Palermo almost opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time when Fabio Simplicio's free-kick was beaten away by Abbiati and it was the Sicilians who had spurned early chances.

Carraciolo started the second half with the same enterprise he had shown in the early minutes of the first with Abbiati rushing off his line to deny him.

Then the former Brescia forward was wayward with a free-kick with the Torino goal continuing to lead a charmed life.

However, at the other end Palermo had a real let-off when Roberto Stellone failed to connect properly when he had only Fontana to beat.

Alessandro Rosina, whose form for Torino this year has attracted attention from many leading clubs, was next to miss the target for the hosts.

Stellone then missed another chance with the game now beginning to swing in favour of the hosts but at the other end Mark Bresciano was not far off with a shot from distance.

Zaccardo has recently been dropped from the Italy squad and his frustration showed again when he failed to connect properly with his head to a Simplicio free-kick.

Carraciolo then had a goal disallowed for offside as the game drifted into its closing minutes.

But it was Toro who finished strongest with Stellone missing yet another chance before Aimo Diana's shot was deflected behind.