Novara vs Chievo preview - Mondonico confident of beating drop

New Novara coach Emiliano Mondonico is convinced his team will avoid relegation as he prepares for his first test against Chievo.

Mondonico took the reins from Attilio Tesser, who was sacked after the 2-0 defeat at Palermo last weekend.

That result marked Novara's fourth straight loss and left the team at the foot of the standings, seven points behind safety.

Novara have won only four of their 20 Serie A games and go into the clash at the Silvio Piola stadium looking for only their third win at home this season.

But Mondonico, who had not been in work since he resigned as coach of Albinoleffe in June after battling cancer, is convinced Novara can pull away from trouble.

He said: "I am saddened for Tesser, but for me a new life begins at Novara.

"The team is in a difficult situation but I hope I can help my players rediscover the spirit that saw them gain promotion to the top flight last summer.

"I believe we have the quality to defend our Serie A status but we must take it one step at a time.

"All I ask my players is to work hard."

Novara will have to show a vast improvement at both ends of the pitch if they are to beat Chievo, with the Biancoazzurri having given away 11 goals and scored just one in their last four league games.

Rivals Chievo have struggled on the road this season, with their last victory away from home dating back to November 20.

The Flying Donkeys conceded their eighth loss of the campaign in Sunday's 3-0 defeat to Lazio.

The result dropped the Verona outfit to 12th place.

Chievo coach Domenico Di Carlo will have all of his players available.

The home side are without Japanese striker Takayuki Morimoto, who is out with a knee injury.