In a close affair befitting a match between teams who were separated only by goal difference at the start of play, Zaccardo struck after 15 minutes to earn the points for the Sicilians.

The win means the Rosanero are unbeaten in four league and UEFA cup matches and sit just three points off the top of Serie A.

It could have been different had Palermo goalkeeper Alberto Fontana not been alert in the opening three minutes.

He was forced to turn the ball behind for a corner when Pasquale Foggia's powerful free-kick was goalward bound.

Foggia had another opportunity after 11 minutes but his angled strike was saved by a well-positioned Fontana.

And the Corsicans fell behind when Palermo scored from practically their first attack of the match four minutes later.

Giulio Migliaccio's cross found Zaccardo, whose deft deflection sent the ball past Marco Fortin and into the net.

On the half-hour mark Joaquin Larrivey surged forward in search of an equaliser and, when his run was halted on the edge of the box, the ball broke to Alessandro Matri, but his shot was just wide of the post.

At the other end, Mark Bresciano controlled the ball and unleashed an early strike which Fortin did well to turn behind for a corner.

Fortin had to be at his best again five minutes from the break as he turned Fabrizio Miccoli's powerful shot round the post diving to his right.

Cagliari began the second half at a ferocious pace and within a minute of the restart Larrivey took the ball past Leandro Rinaudo, but put his shot wide of the post.

Palermo worked their way back into the game and Aimo Diana fed Bresciano but the Australian could not find the target.

Fontana was on hand again to deny Paolo Bianco, but it was Palermo who started to take control and they could have gone two up but for a poor decision from Fabio Simplicio.

The midfielder had substitute Edison Cavani and Bresciano available but chose to shoot himself and Fortin saved.

Daniele Conti saw his his strike sail wide when Zaccardo claimed his second important deflection of the match, only to have his frustration compounded when the referee failed to award a corner.

Cagliari were desperate for an equaliser but it was Palermo who were creating the better chances.

Fortin saved Amauri's effort, while Bresciano made a mess of his shot when it seemed he was certain to score.

The Australian had another good chance a minute from time after a pass from Cavani but it was not to be his day as he failed again to find the target.

It did not matter though as the final whistle sounded to announce a victory for Palermo.