On the eve of hosting Gian Piero Gasperini’s AS Roma, OGC Nice are back on the European stage, balancing excitement with caution. Between the joy of returning to continental competition and the need to assert a clear identity, Franck Haise and captain Dante set the tone ahead of a highly anticipated clash at the Allianz Riviera.
Europe returns to the French Riviera. This Wednesday evening (9 p.m.), OGC Nice welcome Roma for their opening group-stage match in the Europa League. The draw has been unforgiving: with an Italian side accustomed to major European nights, the Niçois know they will have to fight hard to emerge from their group.
But for Franck Haise, there is no question of approaching the occasion with fear.
“Playing in Europe, playing AS Roma tomorrow… there are plenty of French teams who would love to be in our position. So let’s fully embrace this match,” he said at the pre-match press conference.
Franck Haise: “Be Ready from the First Second to the Last”
While the coach does not hide his pleasure at returning to European competition, he also expects his team to show real ambition.
“The objective is to show a clear identity in this competition… and, of course, to win matches in order to qualify.”
After last weekend’s defeat in Brest, consistency remains a key issue.
“In training, there are a lot of positive things… but we have to reproduce them in matches, and that’s our main challenge.”
Against Roma, the message is clear:
“We have to be ready from the first second to the last.”
For the first time this season, Haise can count on an almost fully fit squad. Dante has returned to training, as has Bombito, with only long-term injuries still sidelined.
“Everyone is able to train. I’m not saying all players are at 100%, but everyone can contribute,” the coach explained.
A positive sign as Nice head into a demanding October. Greater depth, more options — a luxury the club has not yet enjoyed this season.
Gian Piero Gasperini: A Roma Already Shaped by His Identity
Tonight’s opponent is no stranger to European competition. Appointed this summer, Gian Piero Gasperini built a formidable reputation during his nine years at Atalanta Bergamo, where he transformed a modest club into a Serie A powerhouse, qualifying repeatedly for the Champions League and winning the Europa League in 2024.
His success was built on a clear formula: a back three, tireless wing-backs, an intense style based on off-the-ball movement and relentless pressing designed to suffocate opponents.
In Rome, the Italian coach has wasted little time imposing his philosophy. His principles are already visible, bringing structure to a team often criticised in recent years for inconsistency.
“You can already see his influence: three central defenders, a team that can dominate possession but also play direct — difficult to break down,” observed Franck Haise.
The Nice coach knows the challenge ahead will be tough:
“It’s a team capable of playing in many different ways, very difficult to move. The early results of the season show it: Roma are solid and extremely hard to play against.”
A clear warning to his players that Wednesday night’s battle will be won as much mentally as physically.
Dante: A Captain Still Indispensable
At 41 years old, Dante is living his final season in a Nice shirt. Yet he remains indispensable. When he plays, the defence breathes. When he is absent, it wobbles. Last weekend in Brest, Nice conceded four goals, as if all defensive reference points had vanished without their captain.
More than a defender, Dante has become a compass. His influence goes beyond duels: he reassures, organises, constantly communicates with his teammates. He no longer needs to cover every blade of grass — he anticipates, directs, guides. His presence changes everything.
“We have to show that we are a united, courageous team, that wants to win duels and transmit emotion,” he reminded his teammates, almost like a rallying cry.
In his final months at Nice, the Brazilian has no intention of simply seeing things out. He wants to leave a mark, to pass on a legacy. His career may be nearing its end, but his influence remains immense. More than ever, the Eagles move forward with him as their backbone, fully aware that part of their fate — in both domestic and European competitions — still rests on his shoulders.
