Cesena 0-0 Palermo

Palermo were held to a goalless draw at relegation-threatened Cesena on Sunday afternoon to extend their winless away run to eight games.The Sicilians were the better side at the Dino Manuzzi Stadium but lacked the finishing touch.Cesena almost clinched all three points in the 87th minute but Hordur Magnusson's powerful header from Franco Brienza's cross was saved by Palermo goalkeeper Stefano Sorrentino.Palermo, who have not won on the road since November 2, remained in 11th place while Cesena are 19th and level on 20 points with Cagliari, who are 18th. The two sides are just three points adrift of safety. The home team went into the game looking to make it two wins in a row for only the second time this season.Palermo dominated possession but struggled to find a breakthrough and it was not until the 26th minute that they created their first chance.Paulo Dybala controlled Claudio Terzi's cross just outside the area and struck a left-footed shot that was kept out by Cesena goalkeeper Nicola Leali.Cesena first threatened in the 36th minute when Gabriele Perico found space and drilled a right-footed strike towards the near post but Sorrentino kept the ball out.On the stroke of half-time, the home fans hoped for a penalty after a Sinisa Andjelkovic tackle on Gregoire Defrel but the referee waved play on.Cesena coach Domenico Di Carlo was forced to make his first substitution five minutes into the second half with Massimo Volta replacing an injured Stefano Lucchini.On the hour mark, Magnusson made a vital block from Franco Vazquez's goal-bound effort from 15 yards.Palermo grew frustrated and it was Cesena that almost took the win in the closing stages.However, Sorrentino stood strong to save Magnusson's header and deny Cesena their fifth win of the campaign.ends