After a long, salvaging international break, the Eagles are back in the league against Caen, an opponent that proved to be very tough last year.
Indeed, it was at the d’Ornano stadium where the Gym experienced their first setback in the 2016-17 season. As league leaders, the Eagles gave way following a penalty by Ivan Santini. Despite opportunities, the Nice team ultimately lost their unbeaten status on November 6, 2016, suffering their only defeat of the first half of the season in L1 (1-0). “It wasn’t great,” recalls Lucien Favre. “After that, it was a close call, we hit the post (by Balotelli, editor’s note).”
During the second leg at the Allianz Riviera, it was also Ivan Santini who opened the scoring, while the second blow was dealt by Yann Karamoh upon return from halftime. The Normans believed for a long time that they would become the only team to defeat the Gym twice in 2016-17. But the Eagles, who had earlier lost Wylan Cyprien to injury (knee), lifted their heads thanks to Mario Balotelli and Tassos Donis. The match could have even definitively swung in favor of the Azuréens when Damien Da Silva blocked a ball with his arm in the penalty area. But referee François Letexier wrongly overturned his assistant’s call, denying the home team a chance at a third goal.
THE CAENNAIS SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Vercoutre, Samba
Defenders: Genevois, Sankoh, Da Silva, Djiku, Diomandé, Mbengue, Armougom, Bessat
Midfielders: Delaplace, Deminguet, Féret
Forwards: Rodelin, Bazile, Kouakou, Santini, Nkololo
THE NIÇOIS SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Cardinale, Benitez
Defenders: Souquet, Marlon, Dante, Jallet, Le Marchand, Burner
Midfielders: Tameze, Seri, Lees-Melou, Sneijder, Walter, Mendy, Koziello, Makengo
Forwards: Srarfi, Pléa.
THE REFEREE
Sébastien Desiage will officiate the Gym’s match at Caen, with the kickoff set for 3 PM this Sunday. The 43-year-old referee will encounter both teams for the first time this season. During this 13th matchday of L1, he will be assisted on the sidelines by François Boudikian and Mikaël Berchebru.
