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Cristiano Lucarelli answered his critics and Dario Knezevic got his first ever Serie A goal in Livorno's victory.
The Amaranto clashed with Cagliari with both teams in a comfortable mid-table position. Cristiano Lucarelli was expecting a reaction from the crowd after slamming the fans for their lack of support and insisting this would be his last season with Livorno.
Even if he is determined to walk out, Lucarelli gave Livorno the lead in the opening five minutes. Cesar Aparecido's pass was rolled in to the edge of the area, where Lucarelli swept in with the inside of his left foot.
Lucarelli turned an Antonio Filippini cross over the bar and scissor-kicked Stefano Fiore's assist off target.
Antonio Chimenti returned to the starting XI after a shoulder injury and performed a tough save on Fiore's volley.
Simone Pepe wasted a good chance for Cagliari by firing on to the side-netting. On the stroke of half-time, Pepe again went close from a Daniele Conti free kick, but Marco Amelia was ready.
Former Palermo striker Pepe was a constant threat, but his backheel from a Del Grosso assist was too ambitious.
On the hour mark Simone Pavan hauled down David Suazo in the area and the referee pointed to the spot. The Honduran got back up to convert the penalty and draw Cagliari level.
Substitute Dario Knezevic went close with a header and moments later got his first Serie A goal. The Croatian defender rose above the crowd for a powerful finish from Stefano Fiore's free kick.
Cagliari failed to muster a real fightback and the game petered out at the Stadio Picchi.
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