Football: OGC Nice loses on penalties to Cagliari

OGC Nice lost on penalties to Cagliari (0-0, 4-2 aet) during the Gigi Riva trophy, at the end of a match lacking inspiration. The evening was notably marked by the early exit of Laurent Abergel, who was injured in the knee in the first few minutes.

For their fourth warm-up match, the Nice players traveled to the Unipol Domus to play in the second edition of the Gigi Riva trophy, organized by Cagliari in tribute to the emblematic striker of the 1960s-70s. After two convincing victories against Nîmes and OM, then a defeat against Juventus, the Gym approached this meeting in cup format: in case of a draw, a penalty shootout would decide between the two teams. Olivier Pantaloni had chosen to field a 4-3-3 with his first summer signing, Laurent Abergel, starting as he had been throughout the pre-season.

The match began at a cautious pace, with both teams sizing each other up at length. Nice gained confidence through the activity of their captain Jonathan Clauss, very present on his right flank and author of the first clear chance with a shot that just missed the target (11th).

But the striking event of the early match was Laurent Abergel’s injury. From the 4th minute, the midfielder collapsed after a bad step, holding his knee with a grimace. He tried to continue, before giving up his place in the 16th minute, clearly too diminished to carry on. This exit caused great concern, two weeks before the start of Ligue 1, although it is hoped that the 33-year-old player preferred not to take any risks.

Cagliari more dangerous, Nice solid at the back

While OGC Nice lacked ideas, Cagliari was more enterprising. The Italians created several dangerous situations, but Yéhvann Diouf kept his side afloat: a header from Trepy turned away (34th), then several decisive interventions in the second half, notably against Romano (59th) and Fazzini (68th). In the 62nd minute, Youssouf Ndayishimiye made a crucial block on Trepy, who was heading towards goal alone. An action that symbolized Nice’s defensive solidarity in a match where offensive play remained insufficient.

Olivier Pantaloni took advantage of this match to make extensive changes to his squad. The entries of Bouard, Orakpo, Koutoune and Laarej brought dynamism in the final quarter hour. Nice played higher up the pitch, balancing the match after having been under pressure for long periods. Diouf was decisive again late in the game, pushing away a dangerous attempt on his line in the 88th minute. The regulation time ended in a goalless draw, logical given Nice’s lack of inspiration.

As planned within the framework of the Gigi Riva trophy, the two teams had to settle the matter on penalties. Nice quickly found themselves in difficulty: Hamza Koutoune and Nassim Laarej missed their attempts, while Cagliari was perfect. Despite successful conversions from Isak Jansson and Everton, the Eagles lost 4-2, leaving the trophy to the Rossoblù.

Beyond the defeat, this match above all left great concern about Laurent Abergel’s knee, a pillar of the midfield since the start of pre-season. The Gym will have to hope for a reassuring outcome in the coming days, before continuing its summer build-up. Final warm-up match, Saturday on the pitch of English side Hull City (kick-off at 4pm) to reassure themselves before the first Ligue 1 match of the season on August 22nd and the home reception of FC Lorient.

Match sheet

Cagliari: Caprile – Winks, Romano, Adopo, Fazzini, Deiola (cap), J. Rodriguez, Mendy (Mutandwa, 46′), Zé Pedro, Obert, Trepy

Nice: Diouf – Bard (Sahraoui, 72′), Mendy (Koutoune, 46′), Ndayishimiye (Alabi, 82′), Clauss (cap, Bouard, 82′) – Abergel, Coulibaly (Everton, 63′), Mandza (Mantsounga, 63′) – Hein (Jansson, 63′), Diop (Laarej, 82′), Diallo (Orakpo, 82′).