Roma, fielding a first-choice line-up, took the lead after just 48 seconds when midfielder Simone Perrotta slotted home a low cross from Honduran Edgar Alvarez.

Palermo were level within three minutes through Franco Brienza after Roma keeper Gianluca Curci failed to hold a shot and Brienza drove in the loose ball.

The Sicilian club took the lead in the 69th minute when Massimo Mutarelli slid in at the back post to beat Curci with a low shot after Denis Godeas headed down.

Inter also have a single goal advantage to defend in the second leg of their tie after Argentine Santiago Solari gave them a 1-0 win over Udinese.

Solari, one of a number of players given a rare start by coach Roberto Mancini, produced a delicate back-heel at the near post to smartly convert a low cross from Nigerian Obafemi Martins.

Udinese keeper Morgan De Sanctis produced a number of good saves in the second half, one diving effort keeping out a strong shot from Dejan Stankovic.

The return legs of the semifinals will be played on April 12.