Novara coach Emiliano Mondonico’s return to Serie A proved disappointing as he witnessed his new team lose 2-1 to Chievo Verona on Thursday and look even more certain of relegation.

Sergio Pellissier grabbed his 100th goal for Chievo shortly after the half-hour mark and it looked all over when Cyril Thereau doubled its lead 12 minutes from time. But Giuseppe Mascara pulled one back less than a minute later to set up a nervy finish.

Mondonico, who had not coached in the top division since being fired by Fiorentina seven years ago, replaced Attilio Tesser on Monday in the 12th coaching change in Serie A this season.

Novara remains bottom of the standings, seven points below Siena, which has a game in hand.