Lucarelli set on leaving

Lucarelli has become increasingly frustrated with the fans' reaction to the Amaranto's struggles on the pitch this season, leading him to vent his fury following their 1-1 draw with Reggina at the weekend.

"That's enough," said Lucarelli. "It's time to break the link with Livorno. I will do my best for the rest of the season so we can finish as high in the table as possible but I am not having fans questioning our commitment. My mind's made up."

Lucarelli signed for his hometown club in 2003 and ended up as Serie A's capocannoniere with 24 goals in the 2004-05 season, a feat that made his a real fans' favourite.

But Livorno's poor form this season has angered their followers and those same fans have turned on the team, including Lucarelli, over recent weeks.

The 31-year-old Italy international scored in Sunday's draw, taking his tally to 16 for the season, but his departure from the club now seems certain, with a host of Italian clubs interested in claiming his signature.