Second-half substitute Tommaso Rocchi scored the only goal of the game to end Lazio's five-game winless run against 10-man Palermo.
The Biancoceleste have fallen off the pace at the top of Serie A following their recent poor form and had not won since Rocchi struck a double against Siena on November 9.
And the Italy international again proved his match-winning capabilities, netting the decisive strike just nine minutes after coming on as a substitute for Mauro Zarate.
It was tough on Palermo after they had dominated for long periods during the first half and their hopes of getting anything from the game were further undermined when defender Federico Balzaretti was give his marching orders for a second caution with 17 minutes remaining.
Lazio's win means they will go into the winter break within touching distance of the Champions League places. They now sit three points behind fourth-placed AC Milan, although they play tomorrow.
The Roman's under-fire coach Delio Rossi will also likely head into the festive period happier about his hopes of remaining at the club following a week in which former Italy manager Roberto Donadoni was linked with his position.
Palermo had welcomed striker Fabrizio Miccoli back into their team following his suspension and he helped inspire a dominate first-half attacking display from the visitors.
They were, however, unable to find a goal to reward their efforts.
Antonio Nocerino and Mark Bresciano both saw shots from outside the area fly wide of the target as the visitors established themselves as the dominant side.
But for all their possession they did not truly test Juan Carrizo in the Lazio goal until the hour-mark when he quickly left his line to snuff out the danger of a Balzaretti through-ball with Fabio Henrique Simplicio lurking.
Lazio's first chance arrived a minute after half-time when Pasquale Foggia played in Zarate whose well-struck shot was saved by Marco Armelia with his feet.
The hosts then grabbed a lead they hardly deserved with 66 minutes gone when Mourad Meghni's cross into the area broke for Rocchi to score in clinical fashion.
It would prove a rare sight of goal for the hosts and a moment to frustrate Palermo.
A point still seemed the least Palermo would deserve from the match, but their hopes of achieving that were further undermined by Balzaretti's dismissal after 73 minutes.
The 27-year-old defender was shown his second yellow card of the game and Palermo's hopes of claiming a result disappeared with him down the tunnel.
