Bologna have moved out of the relegation zone in Serie A with a 3-0 victory over Palermo in a game that had four red cards.

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The hosts were in control of the match right from the start, as Alberto Gilardino shot over the Palermo crossbar in the very first minute.

The visitors had Jasmin Kurtic force Gianluca Curci into making a save in the 13th minute, before Josip Ilicic shot high from outside the box.

Bologna made the breakthrough midway through the first half through Gilardino, who shot in from close range after being set up by Archimede Morleo.

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The Italian striker came close to doubling his side's advantage just before the half-hour mark when he turned Gyorgy Garics's delivery towards goal, but Samir Ujkani made a good save.

Bologna did not have to wait long to make it 2-0, as they were awarded a penalty in the 44th minute when Massimo Donati handled the ball inside his own area.

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Manolo Gabbiadini stepped up to take the spot kick and made no mistake from 12 yards.

The hosts were awarded another penalty at the start of the second half when Palermo goalkeeper Ujkani brought down Gilardino inside his box and was sent off.

Francesco Benussi came on as the replacement goalkeeper but failed to stop Alessandro Diamanti from converting the spot kick.

Gilardino had two good chances to add to his tally before the hour-mark, before Edgar Barreto hit the Bologna post with a direct free kick.

However, the Palermo midfielder was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 72nd minute, and seven minutes later Bologna were reduced to 10 men when Saphir Sliti Taider was dismissed.

Palermo ended the game with just eight players on the pitch as Carlos Labrin was shown a straight red card in the 82nd minute.