Team Overview: Livorno, founded in 1915, was the relegated last place team in Serie A following the 2007/2008 season. The club has had very limited success on the top tier of Italian Football. The Amaranto’s finest year was probably all the way back in 1943, when they finished 2nd. This year the club finished third in Serie B competition.
Top Performers: Francesco Tavano secured himself as a Livorno favorite with 10 goals and 3 assists. Alessandro Diamanti also had a decent year, but he only managed 4 goals and 2 assists. Finally, Livorno’s MVP was Amelia, who ceded only 0.79 goals per game. All in all, Livorno didn’t have any stars, but they did play like a team.
Highest Highs: From November to February the Amaranto were arguably the best team in Serie B competition. The club won nine matches over the span and tied seven while only losing a single match. Livorno outscored their opponents over the four month span 32-10 and really cemented a high spot for promotion. But it was their postseason matches with Brescia that was their highest high. Livorno’s 3-0 winner was the key to promotion next season as they beat Brescia in the two matches a combined 5-2 in order to advance.
Lowest Lows: Livorno may have had a great postseason, but the end of their regular season was certainly not anything to brag about. The club did win four matches over the three month span, but they also lost four matches and tied six. If Livorno wants to remain a Serie A team then they will need to play better down the season’s stretch because five hundred Serie B football can easily become league worst Serie A football next season.
Future Outlook: It is an uphill battle now for Livorno. The club plays fine defense, but needs to find some consistency on offense next year if they want to survive. Their second best scorer this year only scored four goals. They need to discover another offensive threat or else they will be the league’s worst offense. All-in-all though it is a special time for Livorno so a congratulations is in order.
