Nice had to settle for a goalless draw on the Montpellier pitch this Friday, at the opening of the 12th day of Ligue 1 (0-0).
Football is indeed the sport of all paradoxes. Since the takeover of Ineos in 2019, OGC Nice was called to enter another dimension, but the Riviera club has always swum in troubled waters, season after season. And it is finally during this 2023-24 campaign, where we least expect it, that the Gym defies all predictions to monopolize the summits of Ligue 1.
Under the tutelage of Francesco Farioli, Nice displays remarkable solidity which makes it the best defense in Ligue 1 – and a benchmark of the five major European championships. Another paradox, if we consider that the young Italian technician is renowned for his offensive playing precepts. The fact remains that in the long marathon of a season, annihilating the forces of the big guys is one thing, imposing your game is another. It is this second part of Farioli’s plan which was to be applied from this Friday, on the pitch in Montpellier, against an opponent within the Aiglons’ reach on paper.
Nice misses the mark
And in this little game, the people of Nice did not manage to have the last word. By offering a low block to square the field well and rely on rapid attacks, Michel Der Zakarian’s formation succeeded in its plan. It ended in a contested encounter, but soporific in terms of chances. The biggest opportunity went to Moffi, unsuccessfully, just before half-time (42nd). Sanson did have a few situations at the end of the match, without more success. A small disappointment for Nice, which could leave its leadership seat to Paris Saint-Germain, in the event of success for the reigning champion in Reims this Saturday.
