An experienced Nice team headed to Italy in early March to participate in the 34th international men’s torball tournament in Bergamo. Twelve teams were competing in this competition recognized in the torball world. After two days of matches, the Azure team finished second in the tournament and left with the best defense of the competition.
The 34th international men’s tournament in Bergamo is one of the well-known events in the torball European calendar. The event had already been favorable to Nice two years ago. A new participation was organized at the beginning of March.
Four players made the trip from Nice: Bernard, Cédric, François and Sébastien made up the group. A reduced team but composed of experienced players.
Bernard has a special relationship with the Italian public, particularly on the Turin side. Local supporters regularly welcome the Nice player with a cry that has become familiar in the gymnasiums: “BERNARDOOOO!”.
The journey to Lombardy was conducted in a relaxed atmosphere. The tournament was to begin the next morning in two gymnasiums in the city.
The competition brought together twelve teams divided into two pools. Each team had to play five matches during this first phase. The top three teams from each group then advanced to a second round. Three new matches would then determine the semifinalists.
A cautious start before a winning streak
The first match pitted Nice against the Austrians from Vorarlberg. The match served as an introduction. The final score was 2-2.
The Azure team then found its rhythm. A 7-1 victory against Trento started the winning streak. A second match ended with the same score against Bergamo A. The Nice group then beat Monza and Reggio Calabria (Reggina team) by a score of 2-0.
Pool A standings placed Nice in first position. Four goals conceded in five matches allowed the team to display the most solid defense at this stage of the tournament.
Three teams from the other group joined the next phase: Turin, Teramo and Amriswil.
After a light meal and a rest period, the Nice team returned to the field for this new stage.
The first match ended in a 3-2 defeat to Teramo. This match was the first setback of the weekend for the Azure team.
The reaction came immediately. A 7-2 victory against Amriswil revived the momentum. A second victory, 2-1 against Turin, secured qualification for the semifinals. Nice finished second in this phase.
A semifinal marked by suspense
The draw offered a new confrontation with Turin for the semifinal. The two teams already knew each other after their clash in the previous round.
The match started with an Italian advantage. Turin opened the scoring and set a high pace. The two teams played an engaging match.
A striking moment occurred during the match. On a quick counterattack accompanied by a powerful shot, Sébastien was hit in the center of the Nice defense. The player left the field after a head impact. Bernard then came on.
The solidarity of the group allowed for a reaction. François scored the equalizing goal. The match then headed toward the final seconds.
Cédric found the opening at the end of the match. This goal gave the Azure team a 2-1 victory and a place in the final.
A final against the tournament’s first opponent
The final was played a few minutes later. After a quick recovery period and reassuring news about Sébastien, Nice faced Vorarlberg on the field again.
The match took a different turn from that of the morning. The Austrians took the lead on the scoreboard.
Cédric scored three goals for Nice. Despite this hat-trick, Vorarlberg won 5-3.
The tournament thus concluded with a second-place finish for the Azure team.
Solid defense and collective performance
The final standings place Vorarlberg in first position ahead of Nice. Turin finishes third. Amriswil takes fourth place.
Teramo, Reggina, Bergamo A, Graz, Bolzano, Monza, Trento and Bergamo B complete the table.
Individual statistics highlight the offensive efficiency of some Nice players. Cédric finishes the tournament with 20 goals. Sébastien and François each score 8 goals.
Defense is also an important element of the Nice team’s performance. The team finishes the competition with the lowest total of goals conceded in the tournament.
The team leaves Italy with a silver medal and a solid record against teams from several European countries.
The return to the Côte d’Azur was made with satisfaction. The Nice players can now resume training in preparation for the next sporting events.
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