OGC Nice – AS Roma: Roma hold on to deny late comeback (1-2)

A compelling tactical battle between two managers wedded to a similar shape. AS Roma would draw first blood with marauding center-backs, before OGC Nice found their way back into the game from the penalty spot. However, Nice’s terrible European record would continue as Roma held on to survive a frenetic end. 

Tactical analysis and match report by Nick Hartland.

OGC Nice’s start to the season has been far from simple. Les Aiglons were eliminated 4-0 on aggregate from the UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds by SL Benfica, while life in Ligue 1 has been similarly disappointing, with three losses from their first five games. Injuries have once again been the story, with returning players, like Dante, Mohamed-Ali Cho, and Ali Abdi, slowly making their way back into the first team. 

No surprises that Franck Haise went with his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation. Yehvann Diouf in goal, behind defenders Dante, Juma Bah, and Antoine Mendy. In midfield, a double pivot of Hicham Boudaoui and Charles Vanhoutte flanked by wing-backs Melvin Bard and Tom Louchet. Kevin Carlos was given the nod over Terem Moffi as the number nine, with Morgan Sanson and Jérémie Boga sat behind him. 

Transplanting your ideology to a new environment can be an unforgiving task, as Gian Piero Gasperini learnt when he joined Internazionale Milan in 2011. However, life at AS Roma after leaving Atalanta BC has so far been promising for the wily head coach. Three wins out of four to start the season, with each match (win or . . .