For their last preparation match, the Aiglons faced the Italian team Fiorentina, still at St James’ Park in Newcastle. With a significantly altered team, the Niรงois were defeated (2-1) in a reactive match. Badredine Bouanani was the scorer for the red and black side.
A little over 24 hours after their draw against the Spaniards of Villarreal, the Niรงois took on the Italians of Fiorentina. For this second match of the weekend, Francesco Farioli made changes, altering his entire starting eleven. Kasper Schmeichel returned to his position in goal, in front of a defense composed of Lotomba, Amraoui, Rosario, who was captain for the day, and the young Louchet. Diop, Beka Beka, and Belahyane formed a trio in midfield. Finally, in attack, Bouanani and Brahimi supported Guessand.
In a partially filled venue, the match started at a fairly calm pace. The Aiglons struggled to build their play, having particular difficulty finding connections in the midfield. It was Fiorentina who opened the scoring through Luka Jovic in the 17th minute, well served in depth by Kouamรฉ (1-0). The Tuscans maintained control of the match and forced Kasper Schmeichel to make a save half an hour into the game on a long-range shot. Then the post saved Nice after a beautiful half-volley from Ikonรฉ. Fiorentina logically doubled their lead in the 35th minute through Cristian Kouamรฉ (2-0) following a scramble during a corner kick. The Italians were logically ahead at halftime. It was a difficult half for the Aiglons, lacking in attack and not solid enough in defense.
A too late reaction for OGC Nice
Upon returning from the locker room, the Niรงois began to control the ball more, without managing to create real chances to get back into the match. La Viola, leading in the score, logically slowed down, showing several technical inaccuracies. This second half was lacking in opportunities on both sides. On the Niรงois side, it is worth noting the good performance of the young Daouda Traorรฉ in midfield. OGC Nice finally got back into the match at the very end of the game, thanks to a superb left-footed strike by Badredine Bouanani in the 86th minute (2-1). However, this reaction came too late to turn the game around. OGC Nice lost (2-1) to Fiorentina after a second half that was more convincing than the first.
The next match is on Friday evening for the Aiglons against Lille, marking the opening of the 2023/2024 season. Join us at 9 PM at the Allianz Riviera for this first clash of the season.
