Mondonico handed losing start

Mondonico, who had not coached in the top division since being fired by Fiorentina seven years ago, replaced Attilio Tesser on Monday in the 12th coaching change in Serie A this season.

Novara's first real chance came in the 15th minute when they won a free kick in a dangerous position just outside the area. Ivan Radovanovic drilled it in and Stefano Sorrentino's save went straight back to the Serbia midfielder but his second shot was well held by the Chievo keeper.

Chievo should have taken the lead in the 26th minute as Boukary Drame put in a perfect cross for the onrushing Cyril Thereau. However, the Frenchman decided to leap and attempt to score with his knee, and he blazed over.

Opener

The visiting side did take the lead minutes later as chaotic defending in the box saw the ball fall to Sergio Pellissier, Chievo's highest ever goalscorer, and as the Novara defenders watched the ball bounce he muscled his way through and tucked it past goalkeeper Samir Ujkani.

Novara almost immediately equalised but Mascara was a whisker away from making contact at the far post.

Chances were few and far between in the second half, although Radovanovic did fire narrowly over the crossbar shortly past the hour.

Thereau then doubled Chievo's lead with 12 minutes remaining. The goal came after Pellissier crossed to Paolo Sammarco, who had gone on seconds earlier, and he cut it back for Thereau to fire into the bottom left corner.

But Novara gave themselves a glimmer of hope a minute later when Rigoni hooked the ball across goal and Mascara headed in at the far post for his first goal for the club since arriving from Napoli last month.

However, Chievo clung on for only their second victory away from home this season. Novara remain bottom of the standings, seven points below Siena, who have a game in hand.