Two major events are approaching for OGC Nice as they face Monaco in a derby worth its weight in points, followed by a French Cup semi-final against Lille, which could open the doors to the Stade de France for them. For Virginie Rossetti, the club’s Communications Director, these are two exceptional moments to be prepared for as best as possible, and she explains how in a passionate interview…
Nice Premium: Virginie, how is the organization of this semi-final going?
It’s going very well! It’s indeed increased activity for all departments, but at the same time such an exciting event that we count the hours even less than usual!!!
Nice Premium: A semi-final that you want to be “full of color,” isn’t it?
Virginie Rossetti: We can feel the enthusiasm for this semi-final! In the whole city, all anyone talks about is this match. To beat Lille, the Gym will need everyone’s support! That’s why the Club is calling on all Gym supporters to deck the City in Red and Black!
We want shopkeepers to decorate their windows, for people to proudly wear OGC Nice’s colors in the street, to not hesitate to decorate their balconies, their cars… In short, to display Red and Black everywhere!
Nice Premium: A sold-out Stade du Ray and rising popular fervor. Is happiness in the air in Nice?
Virginie Rossetti: It’s true that there haven’t been any tickets for sale for two weeks already. This truly reflects the strong bond that ties the people of Nice to their team. We already knew that the people of Nice were ready to get excited over an event like this, as they did for the 2006 final. And when the Ray is full, there’s always a special atmosphere that you won’t find in any other stadium.
This is the greatest attendance at the Ray since the Nice-Strasbourg match in 1990, and having experienced that event as a supporter, I am even more eagerly awaiting this match!
Nice Premium: Any surprises before the crucial match on Tuesday?
Virginie Rossetti: We are indeed organizing numerous events around Tuesday’s match. A tram in Gym colors has been running since today. All the city’s buses will be adorned with Gym flags. We are also publishing a free collector’s magazine for the event, which supporters will be able to find at the Official Store, in ST2N agencies, and with our merchant-supporters. It will also be distributed throughout the city and in front of the stadium during Tuesday’s match. And to ensure that everyone gives their all to support OGC Nice, 10,000 flags will be distributed at the Stade du Ray on the day of the match.
Finally, the kickoff of the match will be given by a former member of the red and black family who embodies the fighting spirit we’ll need on Tuesday night to triumph over LOSC.
Nice Premium: How are the Nice team and the club experiencing this exceptional moment?
Virginie Rossetti: With serenity. Even though everyone is aware of the importance of this match, it’s crucial to remember that there’s still a very important league match on Saturday against Monaco. As soon as the derby ends, it will be time to think only about Lille, but in the meantime, every department prepares for both matches with the same care and attention, even if organizing a French Cup semi-final is very time and energy-consuming!
Nice Premium: Finally, what would your ideal evening be next Tuesday, the 19th?
Virginie Rossetti: That the celebration be beautiful on all levels. And to do so, victory is needed! But I am certain that the players understand the importance of this match for Nice supporters and that they will rise to the occasion!!!
