Novara 2-1 Lazio

Lazio failed to tighten their grip on third place in the Serie A table by losing 2-1 at struggling Novara this afternoon.

Despite their lowly position, the home side began the encounter the brighter of the two sides.

They went on to break the deadlock in the 35th minute when Lazio's Mobido Diakite turned the ball into his own net.

However, Diakite's error was eradicated just two minutes later thanks to Antonio Candreva, who headed into the net from close range to level up proceedings for the visitors.

Both Andrea Caracciolo and Marco Rigoni had chances to put Novara back in front before the break, but neither was able to keep their efforts on target.

Goalscoring chances were hard to come by after the restart, with neither goalkeeper being called into any meaningful action for large parts of the half.

Just when it looked as though the spoils were going to be shared, Giuseppe Mascara struck from distance 11 minutes from time to hand Novara all three points.