Few or no possible comparisons can be made in terms of encounters since one has to go back to the 2002/2003 season to find a defeat of the Niçois on Havre soil (2-1), with Diawara responding to Le Tallec and Sinama Pongolle. Generally, the Normandy pitch has never really been favorable to the Niçois, who have won only once in 1985, alongside 3 draws and 10 defeats. But well, let’s put aside ancient history to focus on this match, which will already be valuable for its points and will mark the beginning of a season that will certainly not be smooth sailing for either of these teams. No big names in HAC’s ranks even though the last line of defense, Christophe Revault, is one of the solid values among French goalkeepers, and the club has seen the arrivals of Nicolas Dieuze (Toulouse), Lô Sambou Massamba (Monaco), and Stéphane Noro (Troyes). But a team without big names is not necessarily a team to underestimate, and this is probably what coach Antonetti will tell his protégés before they step onto the Normandy pitch.
On the Niçois side, a great unknown awaits tomorrow with this first official match against one of the newly promoted teams from the last Ligue 2. A challenging match, but do easy ones really exist, for which Frédéric Antonetti will be able to rely on most of his squad except for Olympians Apam and Coulibaly, and Cyril Rool who is suspended. Vincent Hognon and David Hellebuyck, who were uncertain due to injuries, should be able to play. Thus, it will be crucial for the Aiglons to handle this first encounter well before facing Nancy next week (16/08 at 19:00) in the Stade du Ray, which will finally enjoy the pleasures of football just before hosting the friendly match between Italy and Austria on August 20th.
The Niçois squad: Letizi, Ospina, Jeunechamp, Hognon, Kante, Yahia, Cid, Gace, Diakite, Echouafni, Hellebuyck, Fae, Ben Saada, Traore, Remy, Bamogo, Modeste, and Ozokwo.
The referees for the Le Havre-Nice match will be Lionel Jaffredo with the whistle, assisted by Didier Martin and Philippe Tugdual.
VIDEOS
Relive the last [training session of the Aiglons in front of their subscribers](https://www.nicepremium.fr/article/l-ogc-nice-lance-sa-saison-devant-ses-abonnes.3571.html).
Check out the official presentation of [OGC Nice at Villa Masséna](https://www.nicepremium.fr/article/l-ogc-nice-en-presentation-officielle-a-la-villa-massena.3569.html).
