Palermo held by Sampdoria in controversial clash

Palermo had a goal controversially ruled out as they came from behind to hold Sampdoria to a 1-1 draw in their Serie A match this afternoon.

The visitors signalled their attacking intent early on when Francesco Bolzoni fired in a low strike from the edge of the box that Emiliano Viviano had to push behind.

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However, they were soon a goal behind as Eder latched onto Roberto Soriano's pass and calmly slotted past Stefano Sorrentino to give Sampdoria the lead.

They threated a second goal when Angelo Palombo received the ball on the edge of the box and bent a strike inches over the bar.

Sampdoria came close to doubling their lead again at the end of the first half, but Matias Silvestre's header was beaten away by Sorrentino.

Within four minutes of the second half, the visitors drew level as Franco Vazquez was found by Edgar Barreto before firing a strike into the corner.

They almost took the lead soon after as Paulo Dybala saw his strike tipped onto the woodwork by Viviano.

There was then a moment of huge controversy, as Michel Morganella's long-range drive hit the bar and crossed the line before bouncing back out, but it was not given by the referee or his assistant.

Palermo were well on top by this point and Vazquez forced Viviano to tip his powerful effort over the bar.

It proved to be the last major chance of the game as the two teams were forced to settle for a point each.