A brace by Brazilian midfielder Fabio Simplicio and another by compatriot Amauri gave the Sicilian side 31 points from 15 matches, five behind leaders Inter Milan, who travel to Empoli on Sunday.

Palermo, who surrendered second place to AS Roma after earning just one point in their previous three games, dominated fourth-placed Livorno, highlighting the gulf in class between Serie A's top three and the rest.

Their first goal arrived after less than two minutes -- David Di Michele threading an insidious pass across a crowded box for Simplicio to tap in from close range.

Palermo continued to press forward aggressively and were rewarded again in the 36th minute when Amauri headed in a Eugenio Corini cross.

Di Michele came close to getting on the scoresheet himself midway through the second half with a long-range shot that crashed off the bar.

Then, with 11 minutes remaining, Simplicio wrapped up the win by running on to Marco Pisano's cutback and thumping the ball into the roof of the net.

Earlier, bottom side Reggina continued their fight against the 15-point penalty handed to them in Italy's match-fixing scandal by beating Ascoli 2-1.

The victory, courtesy of goals from defender Alessandro Lucarelli and striker Nicola Amoruso either side of the break, gave Reggina five points, one fewer than winless Ascoli.