Palermo beats Catania 3-1 in Sicilian derby

Fabrizio Miccoli, who was making his first appearance after three weeks out, gave Palermo the lead in the 10th minute.

Alessandro Fucarini

PALERMO, Sicily (AP) -- Fabrizio Miccoli marked his return from injury with his 100th Serie A goal as Palermo beat archrivals Catania 3-1 in the Sicilian derby on Saturday.

Miccoli, who was making his first appearance after three weeks out, gave Palermo the lead in the 10th minute. Josip Ilicic scored twice after the break to all but seal the match for Palermo.

Ilicic's second was a stunner after the Slovenia midfielder had run over half the length of the pitch.

Francesco Lodi grabbed a consolation for Catania with a brilliant free kick.

It is only Palermo's second victory in the last eight Sicilian derby matches against Catania in the top flight.

It last won two years ago, by the same scoreline.

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