David Di Michele struck the winning goal against Livorno to hand Renzo Gobbo the best possible start as caretaker-manager of Palermo.

Having only taken over the Sicilian giants on Monday, Gobbo watched on as his players claimed their first triumph since February 2 at the Armando Picchi stadium.

Palermo captain Eugenio Corini had given the visitors a 48th minute lead from the penalty spot but his team's joy was shortlived as 10 minutes later Livorno's Cesar equalised from the penalty spot.

The Sicilian giants didn't give up hope and were rewarded with Di Michele's effort allowing the islanders to remain in the hunt for a UEFA Cup place.

The outcome sees the Rosaneri climb to fifth place, two points clear of Fiorentina with four games remaining.

The Tuscan side went into the encounter looking to bounce back fromt last weekend's surprising slip against Chievo.

But the absence of team's top scorer Cristiano Lucarelli through suspension hindered Fernando Orsi's side who lacked the finishing touch in front of goal.

Palermo enjoyed the first chance of the game with David Di Michele's effort going just high over the crossbar.

The hosts attempted to react but failed to break Palermo's well-placed defence.

The Amaranto finally tested Alberto Fontana on 17 minutes, with Stefano Morrone's right-footed strike forcing the keeper to dive to his right to clear.

It sparked Livorno, who showed more aggressivity and Fontana had to make another crucial save from Morrone's bullet strike midway through the first half.

After 28 minutes, the hosts were unlucky not to break the deadlock with Fabio Galante's header rebounding off the far post and forcing Mark Bresciano to make a goalline clearance.

Palermo reacted and goalkeeper Emanuele Manitta was forced to come off his line to foil an unmarked Andrea Caracciolo who was ready to fire on target.

The Sicilian giants' efforts to take the lead before the break proved to no avail with Livorno's defence holding on.

Palermo could not have asked for a better re-start, with Corini breaking the deadlock from the penalty spot after Manitta had brought down Di Michele inside the area.

Livorno attempted to react but were forced to long-range shooting, with Morrone's effort going high over the crossbar.

Livorno's prayers were answered shortly before the hour mark, with the referee pointing to the spot after Roberto Guana had held Morrone inside the area.

Cesar made no mistake and fired past Fontana to level the score.

The visitors showed no intention of giving up and Corini's curled free-kick towards the far post forced Manitta to make a fine save.

They were soon rewarded with Di Michele latching onto Corini's cross and his first touch proved sufficient to beat Manitta.

The goal proved a hammer blow for the Amaranto, who attempted to react but mustered little as Palermo held on for a deserved win.