Siena 0 : 0 Palermo - Siena and Palermo battle to a draw

Serie A strugglers Siena and Palermo played out a goalless draw at the Stadio Artemio Franchi with the result not helping either side a great deal.

Palermo had the better chances, but were unable to beat a Siena side who, without a six-point penalty, would be ahead of the Rosaneri in the table.

As it is, though, Serse Cosmi's side are still four points adrift of the Sicilians, who also remain in the bottom three having played a game more than the teams above them.

Josip Ilicic tried to inspire Palermo into action, but he was fighting a lone battle in the Palermo attack having clearly been given a different script to his defensive team mates.

Fabrizio Miccoli wasted a good chance in the 20th minute when he tried to lob Gianluca Pegolo, but just lifted the ball into the goalkeeper's arms.

Siena were even more defensive and when they did venture forward, mainly with high balls into the penalty area, Ezequiel Munoz was always there to clear the danger.

Palermo attacked more in the second half, pushing Siena back inside their own half and creating better openings.

Miccoli missed the first big chance of the game in the 58th minute when he lifted the ball over Pegolo and over the crossbar in a one-on-one situation with the Siena goalkeeper.

Undeterred, he tried the same again with a free-kick from 20 yards, taking a long run up but then trying to lob the ball in delicately, clearing the wall, but also the crossbar in the 73rd minute.

Fear of losing seemed to grip both teams, but Paulo Dybala almost snatched a win for Palermo in stoppage time when, after slipping inside the area, he lifted himself up again, but saw Pegolo push his shot over.