Roma begins their Europa League campaign with a crucial away win in France, thanks to two unlikely scorers from defense.
Roma kicked off their Europa League journey with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Nice, securing three vital points in a tricky opening fixture. Goals from defenders Evan Ndicka and Gianluca Mancini proved decisive, as Gian Piero Gasperini’s side held off a late surge from the French hosts.
The first half was a tense, cagey affair, with both sides focused on defensive organization. Roma threatened through Koné, Soulé, and Rensch, but their efforts failed to trouble goalkeeper Diouf. Just before the break, Mancini thought he had given Roma the lead with a header, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
After halftime, Gasperini introduced captain Lorenzo Pellegrini, a move that immediately paid off. In the 52nd minute, Pellegrini delivered a perfect corner that Ndicka headed home to break the deadlock. Roma doubled their lead just three minutes later when Tsimikas sent in a pinpoint cross for Mancini, who finished clinically on the volley to make it 2-0.
The match seemed under control until the 77th minute, when substitute Pisilli fouled Mendy inside the box. Moffi converted the resulting penalty to give Nice hope, setting up a tense finale. The French side pushed for an equalizer, but Roma’s defense held firm to secure the win.
This victory gives Roma a strong start in their Europa League group, showing both resilience and efficiency on the road.
Match Report
Goals: 52′ Ndicka (R), 55′ Mancini (R), 77′ Moffi (PK, N)
Nice (3-4-2-1): Diouf; Mendy, Bah, Dante; Louchet, Boudaoui (62′ Clauss), Vanhoutte, Bard (80′ Abdi); Sanson (62′ Diop), Boga (80′ Cho); Kevin Carlos (63′ Moffi). Coach: Haise.
Roma (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Celik, Mancini, Ndicka; Rensch (82′ Hermoso), Koné (69′ Cristante), El Aynaoui, Tsimikas; Soulé (69′ Pisilli), El Shaarawy (46′ Pellegrini); Dovbyk (69′ Ferguson). Coach: Gasperini.
Referee: Cuadra Fernandez
Yellow Cards: 27′ Koné (R), 41′ El Aynaoui (R), 41′ Ndicka (R), 79′ Tsimikas (R), 88′ Hermoso (R)
