A.S. LIVORNO CALCIO

[D-Kin]

Di Michele scores with a great chip.

2-1 to Palermo.

[Forza_Roma]

FT 2-1 Palermo

[Forza_Roma]

Serie A Week 34 - 29/4/07 (14.00 UK)

Livorno 1 - 2 Palermo
Corini pen 48 (P), Cesar pen 58 (L), Di Michele 75 (P)
Stadio Picchi

Palermo returned to victory on new Coach Renzo Gobbo's debut in a match with some very controversial refereeing.

The Rosanero made their debut with new Coaching team Renzo Gobbo and youth team boss Rosario Pergolizzi after Francesco Guidolin was fired this week. They had the advantage of facing a Livorno side shorn of their star striker, the suspended Cristiano Lucarelli, as well as Marco Amelia and Carmine Coppola. Andrea Pisano sat out a ban for the Sicilians.

Palermo had not won here in Serie A since 1949, but got off to a strong start with both David Di Michele and Fabio Simplicio shooting off target.

Former Rosanero star Stefano Morrone's snapshot stung Alberto Fontana's palms.

Fabio Simplicio hit the back of the net, but only earned a yellow card for his obvious handling offence.

Paulinho was closed down by the goalkeeper and intelligently cut back for Stefano Fiore, but a desperate defensive tackle deflected it over the bar.

Livorno were increasing the pressure and Mark Bresciano was forced into a goalline clearance to deny Fabio Galante's towering header.

Emanuele Manitta had a scare when he fumbled a cross, but was able to recover the situation under pressure. Paulinho's spin and volley was off target just before the break.

Palermo took the lead in controversial circumstances just after the restart. Di Michele ran into the area and fell as Manitta tried to get the ball, but there did not seem to be any real contact with the player. Nonetheless, the referee pointed to the spot and Eugenio Corini marked his comeback by converting the penalty.

Livorno returned the favour with a similarly debatable spot-kick for Guana's shirt-tug on Morrone. Cesar Aparecido took the penalty duties in Lucarelli's absence and buried the left-foot kick over Fontana to equalise.

Corini had a free kick well saved, while at the other end substitute Marc Pfertzel went on a solo run and his finish flashed across the face of goal.

Palermo went 2-1 up with a fine team goal. Corini's first-time pass sent Di Michele clear on goal and his smart chip left Manitta helpless.

Edison Cavani should have killed off the game five minutes from time, but drilled over with his left foot when it might've been easier to score.

Livorno: Manitta; Grandoni, Galante, Knezevic, Pavan; Filippini, Morrone (Bergvold 77), Passoni, Cesar (Pfertzel 67); Fiore (Vidigal 69); Paulinho

Palermo: Fontana; Biava, Barzagli, Zaccardo; Diana, Guana, Corin (Tedesco 84)i, Simplicio, Bresciano (Cavani 61); Di Michele (Ciaramitaro 81); Caracciolo

Ref: Giannoccaro

channel4.com - Football Italia

[D-Kin]

Finally a good result for Palermo.

[Forza_Roma]

It's been like 2 months since they last won?

[D-Kin]

Something like that, it's been 11 games I think.

[D-Kin]

Livorno president Aldo Spinelli has fired sports director Nelso Ricci.
tribalfootball.com - Livorno sack sports chief Ricci

[skeeta]

Livorno's president is an absolute nutter who fires managers at the drop of a hat (Donadoni when they were fifth in Serie A being the best example) and accuses everyone and their sister of having conspired against him and his plucky little club. He is also going around with bodyguards at the present time as some of the more unhinged elements of Livorno's support (which is saying something) have begun issuing not so veiled threats against him.

Zamparini is the only guy in Italy who may be more crazy than Spinelli.

[D-Kin]

Serie A Week 36 - 13/5/07 (14.00 UK)
Livorno - Sampdoria

Stadio Picchi

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Sampdoria are the guests at the Armando Picchi this weekend. Livorno may be in 13th in the League, a position which in other seasons would have meant safety, but it is not so this year and the Amaranto must be prudent.

They lost their third game in a row last time out and now find themselves in a perilous position with just three games left. Opponents Lazio had their Champions League ambitions to play for and they simply overwhelmed the home team even if they only netted a 1-0 win.

Livorno Coach Fernando Orsi looks like going for a 4-4-1-1 formation in an attempt to stop the leakage of goals, while simultaneously getting some support in place for the often isolated Cristiano Lucarelli.

Changes seem likely but only in midfield, with Luis Vidigal and Paulo Paulinho the probable losers. In their place could be Dario Passoni and Rodriguez Cesar, who came on as a substitute last match and impressed many. For all that, the most crucial job will surely fall to Stefano Fiore, who with one great pass or cross could give Lucarelli his 100th goal for the club.

Sampdoria could only manage a goalless draw with Reggina at home in their last game. It was a vital point for the southerners, but a wasted opportunity for the Blucerchiati. They might have to content themselves with being one of the few teams that are neither in danger of relegation nor likely to qualify for Europe and in that respect, they are part of a very selected and ‘privileged’ few.

Coach Walter Novellino seems to enjoy watching his side play with a simple 4-4-2, but there could be a few changes to the side that perhaps should have won that last home game. Cristian Zenoni may come in at right-back with Christian Maggio moving into midfield in place of Vladimir Koman. Daniele Franceschini could also come back into midfield, after playing up front last match, where he may take Andrea Parola’s place. Fabio Quagliarella and Fabio Bazzani are tipped to start in attack.

Man on fire: Rodriguez Cesar (Livorno) – The Brazilian wide man was the only one left fighting last game. He is full of running and ideas, a real bonus for his side.

Last season: Livorno 0-0 Sampdoria

Form guide: Livorno (D W L L L) Sampdoria (L L W W D)

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Livorno (probable): Manitta; Grandoni, Knezevic, Galante, Pasquale; Filippini, Passoni, Morrone, Cesar, Fiore; Lucarelli

Sampdoria (probable): Castellazzi; C Zenoni, Accardi, Falcone, Pieri; Maggio, Palombo, G Delvecchio, D Franceschini; Quagliarella, Bazzani

channel4.com - Football Italia

[Forza_Roma]

Damn Lucarelli is back. Let's hope he doesn't score, but Livorno somehow win. Like that would ever happen.

Quagliarella vs Lucarelli
Nice battle...Draw!

[D-Kin]

2' Livorno have begun well in their match with Sampdoria. They are making the early running.

[D-Kin]

HT 0-0.

[D-Kin]

73' Filippini puts Livorno ahead against Samp!!! He goes absolutely wild! His 10th goal in 236 Serie A games. Castellazzi made two good reaction saves after a set piece, but could do nothing about Filippini's shot on the second rebound.

[Forza_Roma]

Good that Lucarelli didn't score

[Forza_Roma]

FT 1-0 Livorno