Palermo win penalty shoot-out against Parma

ROME - Palermo beat Parma 5-4 after a penalty shoot-out Tuesday to secure a berth in the semi-finals of the Italian Cup.

The two sides played out a scoreless but entertaining draw at the Renzo Barbera.

A feeble drive from captain Fabrizio Miccoli was an early warning for Parma custodian Nicola Pavarini, who had troubles deflecting on 18 minutes a volley from young Slovenian Josip Ilicic off a deep feed by Javier Pastore.

Parma improved after a sluggish start and had their chances when Raffaele Palladino fired high on 17 minutes and just before the pause.

The Sicily hosts came close again when midfielder Giulio Migliaccio was free to nod in the area, but aimed above the bar off a free kick from Miccoli.

Bulgarian striker Valeri Bojinov fired wide for Parma from the edge of the box, before Ilicic twice fired high on the hour.

Salvatore Sirigu was crucial for Palermo on 70 minutes with a great dive to deflect a cross by substitute Sebastian Giovinco, who also threatened before regulation time with a firm shot.

There was more action for Pavarini to block a drive and a close-range attempt from Argentine Pastore, who then narrowly missed on 84 minutes and with three minutes left in extra time.

Two other quarter finals are set for Wednesday, when Sampdoria welcome Serie A leaders AC Milan before Napoli host trophy holders Inter Milan. Juventus and Roma face off for a semi-final Thursday.