OGC Nice begins its pre-season with a clear victory against Nîmes Olympique

Under the direction of Olivier Pantaloni, OGC Nice opened its summer preparation with a controlled victory against Nîmes Olympique (4‑0). A first outing marked by effective offensive sequences, a complete squad review and the debut of Laurent Abergel.

OGC Nice began its preparation against Nîmes Olympique, a National 1 side. The rejuvenated and reorganized Nice squad took the lead from the opening minutes. Jonathan Clauss, wearing the captain’s armband, broke down the right wing before serving Isak Jansson, who struck a pivot shot in the 4th minute. Moments later, Zoumana Diallo obtained and converted a penalty (18′). The Gym led 2‑0 at halftime and controlled the pace.

The second half confirmed this momentum. Sofiane Diop, introduced at halftime, cut inside the box to score the third goal (53′). Victor Orakpo, returning from a loan spell at Nancy, then finished with a one-touch lob after a cross from Melvin Bard (62′). Only one dangerous Nîmes chance occurred, which Martin Ponsot repelled late in the match.

New signings straight into action

This first stage of preseason also allowed observation of the debut of Laurent Abergel, integrated into midfield in the starting lineup. Olivier Pantaloni had to work with a limited defensive sector, relying notably on Youssouf Ndayishimiye and Mattia Viti as the only specialist center-backs. This match served as a basis for a 3‑4‑3 formation set to evolve over the coming weeks.

The team selections illustrated this desire to test a wide squad. The first half relied on Teddy Boulhendi (G), Ylan Koutoune, Youssouf Ndayishimiye, Arsène Mandza, Jonathan Clauss (C), Laurent Abergel, Rares Ilie, Brad Mantsounga, Isak Jansson, Zoumana Diallo and Nassim Laarej (replaced by Enguerrand Bouard in the 36th minute). The second half featured Martin Ponsot (G), Salis Abdul Samed, Everton Pereira, Mattia Viti, Maxime Louchet, Djibril Coulibaly, Issiaga Camara, Melvin Bard, Mohamed‑Ali Cho, Victor Orakpo and Sofiane Diop (C).

The Gym will continue its preparation with a prestigious fixture against Juventus on July 31st, the next step to fine-tune understanding before the season opens.