Match Report: Europa League – Nice V AS Roma – 24th Sept 2025
On 25 September 2025 by Gillyowl
Nice 1 – 2 AS Roma
Roma got off to the perfect Europa League start with a huge 2-1 victory away to OGC Nice, thanks to two thunderous goals from defenders Evan N’Dicka and Gianluca Mancini — the kind of fight and spirit you expect when these lads wear the Giallorosso shirt.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s reign is already showing its teeth: three wins from four matches, the only slip a narrow defeat to Torino, and of course the unforgettable Derby della Capitale win on Sunday. And all this with Paulo Dybala still side-lined, Mario Hermoso and Wesley not fully fit, and Jan Ziolkowski suspended. Even without key men, Roma came to France to make a statement.
Nice tried to push early, with Antoine Mendy firing over and blocking Stephan El Shaarawy, while Manu Koné saw a deflected effort drift high. But the best chance of the first half was all Roma: Gianluca Mancini first looked to set up Artem Dovbyk, then headed in from a Kostas Tsimikas cross — only to be denied by an offside flag. Roma were knocking.
Enter Lorenzo Pellegrini after the break, fresh from his derby-winning goal, and immediately he changed the game. First, he swung in the corner for Evan N’Dicka to crash home a header at the near post. Then, moments later, Tsimikas marked his debut with a gorgeous cross for Mancini, who surged forward and volleyed in with style. A captain’s finish, a defender’s grit — and Roma suddenly 2-0 up, scoring twice in a game for the first time this season.
Matias Soulé kept the pressure up, but a clumsy foul by Nicolò Pisilli handed Terem Moffi the chance to pull one back from the spot. He converted, and the Allianz Riviera roared — but Roma didn’t flinch. N’Dicka, Mancini, and the whole backline stood tall, Svilar commanded his area, and Gasperini’s men fought like gladiators until the final whistle.
Roma are now the team with the most Europa League wins.
They held firm, they showed heart, and they start their Europa League campaign with a deserved win under Gian Piero Gasperini. Roma in Europe — and already roaring.
