Novara 0 Atalanta 0

Andrea Caracciolo hit the post for Novara against Atalanta today but the struggling side remain six points adrift of safety after failing to score.

Both sides had plenty of chances, the best coming early in the second half when Caracciolo was denied by the woodwork.

But neither team capitalised in a goalless draw at the Silvio Piola stadium.

Novara ended the game with 10 men after defender Simone Pesce was sent off a minute from time for a second bookable offence.

Atalanta, who were looking for only their second win away from home this season, remain in 14th place, while Novara are 19th.

The hosts went into the match bolstered by last weekend's shock 1-0 victory at Inter Milan - their first win since November 26.

Novara had a bright start with Marco Rigoni testing Andrea Consigli with a hard drive from 30 yards but the Atalanta goalkeeper made a fine save.

Atalanta's first sight of goal arrived three minutes later when Guido Marilungo's effort from outside the area was kept out by Novara goalkeeper Samir Ujkani.

The visitors began to get a foothold in the game as the half wore on, and wasted a good chance in the 34th minute.

German Denis fed Marilungo in the area and he struck the ball just wide of the far post from a good position.

On the stroke of half-time, Consigli punched away Pesce's bullet strike from 20 yards.

Caracciolo's header from Giuseppe Gemiti's cross beat Consigli but struck the post.

With 11 minutes remaining, Gugliermo Stendardo had sight of goal but headed a corner over the bar.

Novara's frustrating afternoon was completed when Pesce was given his marching orders for a second yellow card.