OGC Nice: experienced Juventus gets the better of the Gym!

For its third warm-up match, OGC Nice headed to Italy to face Juventus Turin this Friday. Against a quality opponent, the Eagles were not ridiculous, but logically lost to the Bianconeri (0-2). The first defeat of Nice’s preparation.

OGC Nice continues its preparation. After Nîmes (4-0), then Olympique de Marseille (3-0), the Eagles had an appointment this Friday evening in Italy to face Juventus Turin. On the pitch of the training center of the transalpine club, the men of Olivier Pantaloni were aiming for a third consecutive victory in as many matches since the start of the red and black preseason. All systems are go at the moment for the Gym, with a total of seven goals scored and none conceded in their first two matches.

In its history, Nice crossed paths with Turin only once in 1951. At the time, the Bianconeri had won 3-2 against the Eagles during an international tournament in Brazil. This Friday, the sporting context would be quite different: both teams are preparing for the 2026-27 season. The squads are not yet complete, but this match will serve as a test on the roadmaps of both clubs.

For this match, Olivier Pantaloni could count on the return of some of his internationals. Yehvann Diouf was making his return in OGC Nice‘s goal. The Franco-Senegalese player had returned to training last week. In his absence, Teddy Boulhendi was filling in between the sticks for the Azur team. On the Italian side, the two former Eagles, Khephren Thuram and Jérémie Boga were not on the team sheet.

First big test for OGC Nice

Facing a top-quality opponent, OGC Nice logically gave up possession, placing their hopes on transition play. The first opportunity was Italian, but Miretti‘s header went wide of Diouf‘s goal. Around a three-man defense, the Gym still showed a desire to build cleanly, even if it meant taking a bit more time preparing their attacking moves. The Bianconeri opened the scoring: Douglas Luiz recovered the ball at the feet of Laurent Abergel in front of the Nice penalty area. The Brazilian then fixed the defense before opening the scoring with a shot into the top corner (0-1, 12′). The first goal conceded of the preparation for the Red and Blacks!

The Gym was not ridiculous at the Juventus Training Stadium. The will to play good football was there, even though something was still missing for OGC Nice to be more dangerous. Like Clauss‘s free kick that went over the Juve goal, the Eagles couldn’t find their target on the final touch. Ball losses in the Nice half also provided unnecessary chances for the Serie A club.

Hurt in a challenge, Victor Orakpo gave way just before half-time to Zoumana Diallo. Before that, OGC Nice‘s top scorer had a difficult first half, jostled in every duel by particularly aggressive Italian defenders.

The intentions are there on Nice’s side

After Diouf‘s return, Teddy Boulhendi took his place for the second half. On the pitch, the scenario of the first forty-five minutes repeated itself: a Juventus Turin taking control of the ball against an OGC Nice chasing the game but keeping good intentions. Despite this, we were closer to an Italian goal than a potential Nice equalizer.

In a locked-down match, the teammates of Youssouf Ndayishimiye couldn’t trouble the Turin goal. In an overextended role, the Burundian international tried his luck from twenty meters. His shot, far too soft, didn’t worry the opposing goalkeeper. Soon after, Clauss‘s half-volley flirted with the Italian goalpost. The Gym was getting back into it as the final twenty minutes approached.

The end of the match was reserved for the young prospects of OGC Nice. Olivier Pantaloni made extensive changes to give playing time and involve his entire squad. Despite their lack of top-level experience, the young Eagles didn’t drop their heads and fully committed to every challenge, every contact. At 22 years old, Mohamed-Ali Cho became the oldest Nice player on the pitch. Shortly after, Juventus Turin extended their lead (0-2, 89′).

Nice’s preparation will continue next Saturday, August 8, for the Gym. For their fourth and penultimate warm-up test, OGC Nice will face Cagliari, a first division Italian club, as part of the “Trofeo Gigi Riva”, organized every year by the Serie A club. Kick-off at 8:30 p.m.

The team sheet

• OGC Nice lineup in the first half: Diouf – Koutoune, Ndayishimiye, Mandza – Clauss (C), Coulibaly, Abergel, Bard – Jansson, Orakpo (Diallo 43′), Diop
• OGC Nice lineup in the second half: Boulhendi – Koutoune (Alabi 78′), Youssouf (Everton 78′), Mandza (Sahraoui 78′) – Clauss (C) (Bouard 78′), Coulibaly (A.Camara 78′), Abergel (I.Camara 78′), Bard (Mantsounga 78′) – Jansson (Cho 78′), Diallo, Diop (Laarej 78′)