The Azurean derby is shaping up to be unpredictable. Who will win? The answer is simple: either Nice or Monaco. But the important questions are: how to win and what can make the difference? Three “specialists” in Azurean football have agreed to answer these two questions for nice-première.
Eric Escato, coach at FC Carros:
“The match will be very open. I don’t see one team dominating the other. Set pieces could be decisive. In cup matches, the difference is made by the mindset. Nice is individually weaker, but the eagles show an outstanding mentality, they have the ‘cup spirit.’ With our run in the Coupe de France (editor’s note: eliminated only by penalty kicks by Cannes), I have learned that even individually weaker players can transcend and level the playing field simply through desire and the support of the fans.
Monaco’s victory in Rennes must have really boosted the morale of the players. But it wasn’t a collective victory. Christian Vieri made the difference on his own. With his back to goal, he is an excellent pivot and helps the team move up. As in Rennes, he can secure victory for ASM. Monaco was overly cautious: Patrice Evra, a key leader, left the rock at mid-season, plus the elimination in the Coupe de France in Colmar. I think the victory in Brittany will restore confidence in the principality’s players.
This match will also be a duel of coaches. Frédéric Antonetti might be better at instilling a spirit in the players. Francesco Guidolin, on the other hand, is a fine tactician.
Even though I have a friend at ASM (André Biancarelli), my heart leans towards Nice. They will have more desire and that will make the difference.”
Kévin Diaz, under-18 midfielder from Monaco, current leaders of their league with a 10-point lead:
“This will be an uncertain match that could go either way. Set pieces will be very important, and both teams are strong in this area. For Nice, this is the match not to lose. If the eagles win, their season will be successful, and they will fight for 90 minutes until exhaustion, supported by their fans. Monaco is a great team, I know them better having nearly watched all their matches at Louis II; there are excellent players but no playing depth. Di Vaio and Vieri can make the difference, but they need good passes… Camel Meriem, regaining his level and confidence, must help feed the strikers properly. This could happen if Francesco Guidolin lines him up. We can also question the cohesion in the Monégasque group with the Kapo episode training separately. It’s a negative aspect.”
Claude Couvet, journalist at Actufoot06:
“This will be a very tight match. For me, there are two keys to the match:
-the ability of the Nice defenders to lock down Vieri and Di Vaio for 90 minutes.
-the midfield battle between Bernardi and Zikos for Monaco, and Rool and Echouafni for Nice. The team that wins this battle will qualify for the Stade de France.
On paper, Monaco is superior to Nice. ASM’s strengths are their two Italian attackers, Vieri and Di Vaio. They can make a difference at any moment. The Rennais, defeated 3-1 last Saturday by ASM, could see how effective Christian Vieri still is. Squillacci, Givet, Warmuz, Zikos, Bernardi, Plasil are seasoned in big events. This is a plus in such matches.
Nice is the form team at the moment. After a difficult start where results were not forthcoming, the eagles have rallied. They combine a fighting spirit and beautiful football. They are in excellent dynamics (four consecutive victories at Ray) with a solid defense. Three players embody OGCN’s renewal: Rod Fanni is impressive, Cyril Rool is a collective leader, and Marama Vahirua an excellent number 10. Nice can transcend through a Louis II stadium in red and black. Monaco’s weak point is the Nice complex. ASM has failed to defeat OGCN. We all remember Nice’s 4-3 victory last year. I ponder the departure of Evra. You can’t just lose a player that important. He’s not replaceable just like that.
Nice’s weakness is the many absences: captain Varrault, likely Bagayoko, and Koné and Camara still at the ACN. Other questions include emotional management of a match with the stake of a final and their difficulty away from home (last victory in August).”
Predictions:
Kévin Diaz: 1-1 and victory for Monaco on penalties.
Claude Couvet: 1-1 or 0-0 and victory for Nice on penalties.
Eric Escato: victory for Nice 1 to 0.
