Cesena 3 - 1 Novara Calcio - Mutu double helps Cesena to victory

Adrian Mutu struck twice in the first half as Cesena returned to winning ways with a 3-1 defeat of fellow relegation battlers Novara.

Mutu put his team ahead in the 20th minute before adding his second from the penalty spot after Antonio Candreva was brought down in the area by Novara's Michel Morganella.

Cesena went into the break 3-0 up after Leandro Rinaudo deflected the ball into his own net.

The hosts should have extended their advantage after the hour mark but Candreva saw his penalty saved by Novara goalkeeper Samir Ujkani. Substitute Takayuki Morimoto then scored a consolation goal two minutes from time.

The result has moved Cesena three points behind 17th-placed Bologna, who visit Napoli on Monday.

Novara, meanwhile, have fallen to the foot of the standings, three points adrift of Cesena.

Cesena went into the encounter on the back of three consecutive defeats.

The visitors, meanwhile, looking for a first win on the road this season at Cesena, had the first chance in the 10th minute.

Andrea Caracciolo got his head behind Giuseppe Mascara's cross and his effort went wide.

Cesena then took the lead.

Novara goalkeeper Samir Ujkani did well to clear Citadin Eder's strike but Mutu pounced to fire the rebound and celebrate his 100th goal in Serie A.

Cesena continued to threaten after that and made it 2-0 in the 39th minute.

The referee pointed to the spot after Candreva went down and Mutu stepped up to take the penalty. He struck the ball towards the bottom right corner where Ujkani could not reach it.

Novara were unlucky to concede the third goal on the stroke of half-time, though.

Mutu crossed the ball towards the area and the ball rebounded on Rinaudo and into the back of the net.

Rinaudo was again involved in the 61st minute when the brought down Mutu in the area.

The referee pointed to the spot and Candreva struck the ball towards the bottom left corner only to see his effort kept out by Ujkani.

Novara then scored a consolation goal.

Cesena failed to clear the ball inside the six-yard box and Morimoto managed to head the ball past goalkeeper Francesco Antonioli.