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Cristiano Lucarelli probably played his last game at the Stadio Picchi and saluted the fans with a brace.
Pride was the only thing at stake here, although uncertainty hung over the two clubs in other respects. Cristiano Lucarelli and Coach Nando Orsi were considering leaving Livorno, while Atalanta boss Stefano Colantuono is a target for Palermo.
The Orobici had not won here in Serie A since a 2-0 result on June 5, 1949.
Marco Amelia did well to block a curling Riccardo Zampagna effort from distance and a couple of Tissone efforts proved dangerous.
Nelson Abeijon sidefooted wide and Cristiano Lucarelli's free kick was off target.
Lucarelli was desperate to score one last goal for his hometown club. He gathered Stefano Morrone's pass on the edge of the area, turned his marker and smashed the right-foot shot into the near top corner.
Straight after the restart it was 2-0 thanks to a howler from goalkeeper Ivan. The Atalanta shot-stopper seemed to be comfortable, but spilled the ball and allowed Morrone to pounce.
The referee pointed to the spot for a handling offence in the defensive wall to parry a Davide Bombardini free kick. Although Amelia saved Zampagna's penalty, he could do nothing on the follow-up for the 11th goal of the season.
Livorno were also awarded a soft penalty for a challenge on Lucarelli. The captain took the kick himself and sent Ivan the wrong way.
Lucarelli had a goal ruled offside and was given a standing ovation by the Stadio Picchi as he went off for Paulinho.
Atalanta got back into the game as substitute Christian Vieri threaded through for Bombardini's tap-in from close range.
Paulinho netted the fourth for Livorno in the final minutes, as Ivan only parried Morrone's effort into the path of the Brazilian.
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