Novara Calcio vs Bologna preview - Pioli: Lifting Bologna morale is crucial

Stefano Pioli will face a tough test in his first game in charge of Bologna when the Rossoblu visit Novara.

The former Palermo coach has replaced Pierpaolo Bisoli, who took over the club this summer but was dismissed before the international break.

Under Bisoli, Bologna mustered just one point in their opening five games.

Their 2-0 defeat at Udinese last time out dropped Bologna to the foot of the standings.

"It's not going to be an easy task but I'm certain that this squad can do well," Pioli said. "The most important thing right now is to lift the players' morale.

"After several negative results, they have lost self-confidence and conviction, and they need to recover that as soon as possible."

A lack of goals has been Bologna's main problem so far, with the Rossoblu having found the net just twice this term and Pioli will be hoping attacking pair Marco Di Vaio and Henry Gimenez can open their goal account at Novara.

The visitors will not expect any favours from promoted Novara, who go into the encounter at the Silvio Piola stadium eager to clinch their second win of the campaign - the first coming in a memorable defeat of Inter Milan - before taking on in-form Udinese next weekend.

Novara held Catania to a 3-3 draw in the last round to remain unbeaten at home and coach Attilio Tesser is confident his side can come out triumphant.

"If we play the way we did against Catania, there is no reason why we cannot clinch three points this weekend," he said.

"We just have to show the same hunger and focus we have displayed in our recent games."