Match Overview
In a pulsating Europa League curtain-raiser, Nice vs AS Roma ended 2–1 in favor of the visitors, as the Romans struck twice early in the second half before conceding a penalty but holding on for the win. The result gives Roma a positive start to their Europa League 2025/26 campaign, while Nice must reckon with yet another difficult night in Europe.
Goals and Scoring Timeline
Minute | Scorer / Type | Description |
|---|
52′ | Evan Ndicka (header) | Pellegrini’s inswinging corner finds Ndicka at the near post, who heads beyond Diouf. |
55′ | Gianluca Mancini (volley) | A flowing Roma move ends with Tsimikas sending in a cross that Mancini volleys in emphatically. |
77′ | Terem Moffi (penalty) | After Niccolò Pisilli fouls Antoine Mendy in the box, Moffi calmly slots the spot-kick to make it 2–1. |
Roma thus built a cushion early in the second half, only to face late pressure when Nice pulled one back. That tension shaped the closing minutes.
Key Moments & Turning Points
- First half cagey and balanced. The opening 45 minutes were low on clear-cut chances. Both sides probed carefully, with Roma perhaps shading possession and Nice defending compactly.
- Second-half blitz. The game broke open almost immediately after the interval: two goals in three minutes (52′ and 55′) put Roma firmly in control.
- Momentum shift after penalty. Nice’s penalty in the 77th minute revived hope and forced Roma to absorb pressure. The hosts pushed for the equalizer but lacked the finishing touch.
- Defensive resilience from Roma. In the final minutes Nice had chances and corners, but Roma’s backline held firm.
Player Performances & Standouts
- Gianluca Mancini stood out as Man of the Match, not only for his crucial second-half volley but for his all-around defensive reliability and aerial presence.
- Evan Ndicka also impressed, getting on the scoresheet with a textbook header and providing solidity in the central defense.
- On the Nice side, Terem Moffi showed composure to convert the penalty under pressure, giving his side a lifeline.
- Nice captain Dante made headlines by becoming the oldest outfield player in Europa League history (age 41).
Tactical Breakdown
Formations & Setup
- AS Roma lined up in a 3–4–2–1 formation, with the back three of Ndicka, Mancini, and Çelik, wing-backs Wesley and Tsimikas, and an attacking double pivot behind striker Dovbyk.
- Nice appeared in a 3–5–2 / 5–3–2 hybrid, trying to dominate the midfield and restrict Roma’s transitions. Their wing-backs and wide midfielders were key to trying to stretch the Italians.
Tactical Adjustments & Strategy
- Roma’s management clearly sought to rotate the squad given fixture congestion, but kept core defensive pieces for stability.
- The turning of the corner into Ndicka and delivery from Tsimikas shows Roma’s intent to exploit wide areas and set pieces.
- Nice, after going behind, pushed wing-backs higher and committed numbers forward, leaving gaps behind that Roma nearly exploited on the break.
- Late pressure from Nice saw them send players into the box for crosses and set plays, though Roma’s disciplined shape and defensive composure mitigated damage.
Post-Match Comments & Reactions
Gian Piero Gasperini (Roma manager): While an official quote isn’t widely circulated yet, Roma’s approach and rotation hint at a satisfaction with the result and the way his squad handled adversity.
Nice camp: Coach Frank Haise will likely regret the rapid concession of two goals, though Moffi’s penalty gave fans hope. The atmosphere inside Allianz Riviera grew tense as Nice poured forward.Media and fan outlets already praise Roma’s experience and resolve away from home, while Nice supporters express frustration at the defensive lapses that cost them.
Fan Reactions & Atmosphere
The Allianz Riviera was electric, particularly after Nice’s late push for an equalizer. The home crowd roared behind their team as they chased chances, corners, and second balls. The tension was palpable in the stands as Roma held on. For Roma’s travelling fans, the late minutes must have been nerve-wracking, but ultimately they celebrated a solid European start.Across social media, many Nice fans lamented the decision to concede two goals so quickly after halftime, while Roma supporters lauded the grit and match temperament of their defenders.
What This Means for the Season
- For Roma, this win offers momentum and confidence in the European phase. Starting with full points on the road is always valuable, especially in tight group formats. Their performance in Europa League 2025/26 suggests they can compete on multiple fronts.
- Nice, already struggling in European form historically, face an uphill task to qualify from the group. The defeat underlines weaknesses in their defensive transitions and reliance on set pieces or penalties to salvage matches.
- In terms of squad morale, Roma’s defensive pairing of Ndicka–Mancini will be key in upcoming fixtures, while Nice may need to reconsider tactical flexibility or personnel changes to stabilize their European performance.
Overall, Nice vs Roma delivered a compelling early night of continental drama — with the visitors narrowly prevailing after a turbulent second half.
Roma’s mix of experience, defensive strength, and timely attacking play gave them the edge, while Nice will rue the minutes immediately following the break.