Novara vs Cagliari preview - No points no option for Novara

Relegation-threatened Novara head into Sunday's home game against Cagliari in dire need of their first victory of 2012.

Emiliano Mondonico made a losing start on his debut as coach of Novara as his side fell for the fifth consecutive time in Thursday's 2-1 loss to Chievo.

Mondonico had replaced Attilio Tesser earlier this week after he was sacked following last weekend's 2-0 defeat at Palermo.

Novara, who are seven points from safety, have not won since November 26 and they have the worst backline in the competition with 42 goals given away in 21 games.

However, Mondonico believes his side have enough quality to turn things around.

"Against Chievo, I saw a team that can play in Serie A," Mondonico said. "I did not see a team that were inferior to their opponents, I saw a side that were fighting and that have quality.

"I believe this team can battle to remain in the division."

Cagliari, meanwhile, travel to the Stadio Silvio Piola on the back of Wednesday's 4-2 triumph over Roma.

The result ended the Sardinians' three-match winless run and lifted Davide Ballardini's side into mid-table.

"We played a great game against Roma in every department," said Cagliari striker Thiago Ribeiro, who scored a brace against the Giallorossi.

"But we cannot get carried away.

"Now we must focus on our next game at Novara."

The visitors must overcome the absence of midfielder Andrea Cossu, who serves a one-match ban.

The home side are still without Japanese striker Takayuki Morimoto, who is out with a knee injury, as well as suspended midfielder Ivan Radovanovic.