New Novara boss Emiliano Mondonico saw his side slump to a 2-1 home defeat against Chievo in Serie A on Thursday.
Novara entered the match on the back of a nine-match winless streak, which was extended following Mondonico’s first match in charge.
Chievo, who had managed only one Serie A away win this term heading in to the encounter, took a 33rd -minute lead through Sergio Pellissier.
Frenchman Cyril Thereau looked to have sealed the points for the visitors when he netted with just 12 minutes to play, but Novara’s Giuseppe Mascara set up a nervy finale with his quick response.
Chievo held firm though to secure victory and leap from 17th to 13th place on the standings, while Novara remain last.
