Palermo dump Hammers out of UEFA Cup

Palermo 3 West Ham 0 (Palermo win 4-0 on aggregate)

West Ham bowed out of the UEFA Cup on Thursday night, losing 3-0 to Palermo at the Renzo Barbera Stadium.

Palermo midfielder Fabio Simplicio struck twice at either side of half-time before David Di Michele added his team’s third in the 67th minute to see the Italians through to the next round.

Alan Pardew’s men controlled the opening half and had plenty of chances to overcome the 1-0 first leg deficit. However, Palermo goalkeeper Alberto Fontana produced formidable saves to deny the Londoners.

Simplicio’s 38th minute goal was a hammer blow and West Ham struggled to find their stride from then on.