Bottom of the table Atalanta secured a crushing victory that plunges Livorno down to last place.
This was a relegation six-pointer between two of the hot favourites to go down. Atalanta dropped to joint bottom last weekend and missed stars Cristiano Doni, Simone Tiribocchi and Daniele Capelli due to suspension. Livorno ended their run of four straight defeats thanks to a spectacular 3-3 draw with Roma, but were without Martin Bergvold, Bernardini, Miglionico and Esposito.
Simone Padoin gave Atalanta the lead after 13 minutes. Nicola Amoruso created it when he turned round his marker to roll into the box, Ernesto Chevanton’s shot was parried from eight yards and into the path of Padoin’s running volley.
Jaime Valdes blasted over and Mirko Pieri closed down Ferreira Pinto in the penalty area. Rubinho parried a Chevanton free kick and at the other end Consigli pushed Di Gennaro’s corner off the head of Perticone.
On the stroke of half-time Chevanton should’ve scored for Atalanta, but horribly wasted when he somehow prodded wide from six yards completely unmarked.
Straight after the restart Atalanta had another great opportunity, but once more Tomas Manfredini turned the header off target from the Valdes corner.
The Orobici finally doubled their advantage when Tiberio Guarente threaded through for Chevanton to strike from just inside the penalty area.
Ferreira Pinto quickly made it 3-0 for Atalanta. Ferreira Pinto was left unmarked at the back post to come sliding in on a long Guarente free kick.