It had been a few years since the world of football in Nice and the French Riviera had experienced such enthusiasm around a Nice-PSG match, which is sold out and promises a great atmosphere tonight from 8 p.m. at the Ray stadium.
It should be a beautiful football celebration tonight on the hills of Nice, and the spectacle should certainly be present as all the ingredients are already gathered. Naturally, PSG and its international star Zlatan are coming to the Côte d’Azur for more than just a vacation, and it’s certainly the three points that Carlo Ancelotti’s men will be seeking on the Nice pitch. Nevertheless, Claude Puel knows he can now count on a solid group that has proven itself in recent encounters, and even the elimination in the Coupe de la Ligue in Montpellier carried many satisfactions, both in play and spirit.
We can therefore expect a great confrontation but also exciting duels in prospect between the Swedish giant and the tough Argentine Renato Civelli, who rightly reminds that “it’s not just him. The proof is with Matuidi, who is starting to score in every match… PSG is very dangerous on the counter and knows how to place them well. They have three attackers who stay a bit out, don’t participate much in defensive tasks but are very dangerous behind.” And it’s undoubtedly in defense that the first battle must be won, hoping then that the rediscovered offensive rigor will once again be on display tonight.
As the Italian technician declares disappointment in one of his iconic players, the Nice coach can be proud of his players who have chained good results in recent weeks, and it’s also this confidence capital that can make the difference against an armada as impressive on paper as on the field.
So meet from 8 p.m. in the stands of the Ray for the lucky ones who have obtained the precious ticket or in the various pubs and other restaurants broadcasting the match for the others to see if… Such is Zlatan who thought he would win!
Referees of Nice – Paris
The LFP has designated the referees for the Nice – Paris SG match on Saturday, December 1st (15th day of Ligue 1). It’s Ruddy Buquet who will be officiating, assisted by Michael Annonier and Guillaume Debart. The fourth referee will be Philippe Kalt.
The Nice Squad
Claude Puel has selected a group of 19 players for the reception of PSG on Saturday (8 p.m.) at the Ray. Kevin Diaz is added to the group that faced Sochaux and Montpellier.
Goalkeepers: Ospina, Delle
Defenders: Civelli, Genevois, Gomis, Kolodziejczak, Palun, Pejcinovic
Midfielders: Abriel, Diaz, Digard, Eysseric, Meriem, Traoré
Forwards: Bauthéac, Bosetti, Cvitanich, Maupay, Pied
Absent: Bahoken, Dao Castellana, Fofana, Hennion, M’Bow, Pentecôte (injured), Berthomier, Fernandez, Hassen (coach’s choice), Anin
The Parisian Squad
Carlo Ancelotti has selected 21 players for PSG’s trip to Nice on Saturday (8 p.m.). Initially planned, the Italian goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu will be rested due to abdominal pains. Ménez, absent against Troyes, and Bodmer are making their return. Verratti is rested, Thiago Motta and Gameiro are injured.
The Parisian squad: Areola, Douchez, Le Crom – Alex, Armand, Camara, Jallet, Maxwell, Sako, Thiago Silva, Van Der Wiel – Bodmer, Chantôme, Matuidi, Ménez, Nene, Pastore, Sissoko – Hoarau, Ibrahimovic, Lavezzi.
Match Information
Stats Nice – PSG
28 encounters in L1: 11 wins for Nice, 9 draws, and 8 wins for Paris. 35 goals for Nice and 34 goals for Paris
Baratelli at the center
Legendary goalkeeper for Nice and also Paris Saint-Germain, the great Dominique Baratelli will tonight give the ceremonial opening kick for the match between his two former clubs. Check out the interview with the international player on the site and in Ogcnice Mag.
Franck Ferrari sings Nissa la Bella
Internationally renowned baritone and die-hard fan of Nice, Franck Ferrari honors us with his presence at this gala match. The artist will sing the iconic Nissa la Bella, just moments before kickoff.
… and you can accompany him!
For those who do not yet know it, OGC Nice has released a series of flyers featuring the lyrics of Nissa la Bella, for its supporters. A document distributed around the Ray stadium for future matches and to be kept carefully!
