After spending just one season in Serie B, Palermo confirmed their return to the top flight at the first time of asking on Saturday afternoon. The Rosanero have stormed the second tier, comfortably earning a return to the top flight of Italian football.

Beppe Iachini's side picked up their 23rd victory of the season thanks to a 1-0 victory away at Novara. The Sicilians will go up as champions, as they are currently 16 points ahead of second placed Empoli with just five games left to play.

Back in September, Palermo only had two wins from their first six games, prompting club president Maurizio Zamparini to axe former Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso and bring in Iachini. Known for sacking coaches and making outlandish statements throughout the years, Serie A will be a much livelier place with Zamparini back in it.

Below Palermo, the fight to go up is a bit more crowded. Empoli are currently four points ahead of their nearest competitors for the second automatic promotion place, while the scrap for the final playoff place dips into the bottom half of the table.