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A last-gasp Simone Padoin lob broke Livorno's hearts and puts them with one foot in Serie B.
Bottom club Livorno needed an unlikely victory to keep their hopes of staying in Serie A alive and started out again under Coach Nando Orsi, who replaced Giancarlo Camolese this week. The Amaranto were without a win on their travels since January and lost Fabio Galante and Daniele De Vezze to bans. Atalanta have nothing left to play for and hadn't won in four, but welcomed Cristiano Doni back from suspension.
Martin Bergvold had some early attempts from distance, while Cristiano Doni's free kick flashed across the face of goal.
Francesco Tavano threaded through for Diego Tristan, but his angled drive was fingertipped just enough to allow Ferreira Pinto to clear. On 35 minutes Simone Pavan's header skimmed the upright.
Cristiano Doni's delightful lob opened the scoring for Atalanta and it was an emotional moment for the captain. With this goal he becomes the all-time top Serie A scorer in an Orobici jersey.
Moments later Ferreira Pinto doubled their lead with a fine solo run that squirmed under the goalkeeper's body.
Livorno got back into it as Coppola did well to deny Antonio Filippini, but could do nothing on the follow-up from former Atalanta striker Fausto Rossini.
The Amaranto fought back from 2-0 down to equalise 10 minutes from time as Simone Pavan nodded in an Alessandro Diamanti cross from the left.
However, Atalanta did not take their foot off the pedal and restored their lead in the final minute. A long goal kick bounced for Padoin to place a precise lob over Amelia. Livorno were furious and after the final whistle several players chased after Padoin to berate him for 'ruining' their chances of survival.
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