Antonio Floro Flores scored twice as Udinese ended Palermo's winning streak to enhance their own survival chances.

Flores netted after 44 and 65 minutes after Fabrizio Miccoli had briefly levelled for the Bianconeri at the Stadio Frulli.

Kwadwo Asamoah struck a third with 20 minutes remaining for Udinese and, despite conceding an acrobatic Edison effort 10 minutes from time, the hosts held on to add to their cushion against
relegation.

Palermo were occupying fourth place heading into the game after a narrow win over Livorno - a performance they were hoping to repeat in a bid to enhance their claim for Champions League qualification.

Fabrizio Miccoli netted for the Sicilians against Livorno and came close to netting the opener against Udinese after eight minutes.

The forward struck a 25-yard free-kick, narrowly missing the post.

Having won two of their previous three home matches, the Bianconeri were not going to lie down against the visitors.

Antonio Di Natale - Serie A's top scorer with 19 goals this season - reacted first to reach a rebound from goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu, but Simon Kjaer cleared the ball off the line.

Miccoli then had another opportunity to put the visitors in front, shooting on the turn from the right edge of the area.

Samir Handanovic could only parry the effort, but Aleksandar Lukovic cleared the danger.

Alexis Sanchez squandered an opportunity at the other end by hitting a weak shot and Udinese took full advantage before the interval when Flores opened the scoring.

Flores chested down Sanchez's lofted pass and beat Sirigu from close range.

But six minutes into the second period the visitors were level.

Having missed two good opportunities in the first half, it was no surprise to see Miccoli involved again and he laid on the ball for Fabio Simplicio, who coolly slotted beyond Handanovic.

Udinese responded, though, and Flores scored his and his team's second from a narrow angle after being played through by Di Natale.

A third almost followed immediately, but Sirigu saved from Asamoah after 67 minutes.

Udinese, though, battling for their Serie A future - largely thanks to a woeful away record - did have a third three minutes later.

Di Natale was again influential, threading the ball for Asamoah to tuck in and grant Udinese a two-goal advantage with 20 minutes remaining.

Palermo did not give up, however, and reduced the deficit 10 minutes from time in acrobatic fashion.

Fabio Liverani's cross was met with a bicycle kick by Edison to set up a frantic closing period.

However, Udinese stood firm for a valuable victory to enhance their prospects of survival.