Roma kicked off their Europa League campaign impressively, securing a 2-1 away win against OGC Nice, with goals surprisingly coming from defenders Evan N’Dicka and Gianluca Mancini.
Under new coach Gian Piero Gasperini, the Giallorossi had already secured three wins in four matches, with their only defeat being a narrow 1-0 loss to Torino, and a recent victory in the Derby della Capitale. They faced Nice without key players Paulo Dybala and Leon Bailey, while Mario Hermoso and Wesley were not fully fit, and Jan Ziolkowski was suspended. Nice, on the other hand, had former Sassuolo and Atalanta player Jeremie Boga in their starting lineup, but were without Tanguy Ndombélé, Mohamed Abdelmonem, Moise Bombito, and Youssouf Ndayishimiye.
Early in the match, Antoine Mendy had a shot go wide, and later made a crucial block on Stephan El Shaarawy`s attempt. Manu Koné also had an effort deflected over the crossbar.
In the 38th minute, Gianluca Mancini was involved in a significant attacking sequence. His initial cross from the right for Artem Dovbyk was too strong. Moments later, a cross from Kostas Tsimikas found Mancini, who headed the ball into the net at the back post, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside.
Lorenzo Pellegrini, who had just scored the winning goal against Lazio the previous weekend, was brought on at the start of the second half.
Nice began the second half brightly, but Evan N’Dicka made a vital block on Hicham Boudaoui’s close-range shot. At the other end, Pellegrini`s header was comfortably saved.
Pellegrini`s introduction quickly paid off; his corner kick met the head of N’Dicka at the near post, giving Roma the lead at the Allianz Riviera.
Just moments later, Roma doubled their lead. On his full debut, Tsimikas delivered a cross from the left, finding Mancini who had made a surprising run forward. He expertly volleyed the ball into the net from 10 yards with the inside of his right foot. This marked the first time Roma had scored two goals in a single match this season.
Matias Soulé`s shot went directly to the goalkeeper. However, Nice were awarded a penalty after Nicolò Pisilli fouled Mendy on the right flank. Terem Moffi calmly converted the spot-kick, reigniting Nice`s hopes.
Roma successfully held onto their lead, commencing their Europa League journey with a victory under Gian Piero Gasperini.
Match Summary
Goals: N’Dicka 52` (R), Mancini 55` (R), Moffi pen 77` (N)
Player Statistics (Timeline)
1st Half
| Time | Event | Player |
|---|---|---|
| 27` |  |
Manu Koné |
| 41` | |
Evan Ndicka |
| 41` |  |
Neil El Aynaoui |
2nd Half
| Time | Event | Player |
|---|---|---|
| 52` |  |
Evan Ndicka (Assist: Lorenzo Pellegrini) |
| 55` | |
Gianluca Mancini (Assist: Konstantinos Tsimikas) |
| 77` |  |
Terem Moffi (Penalty Goal) |
| 79` | |
Konstantinos Tsimikas |
| 88` | |
Mario Hermoso |
Starting Lineups
| Nice | Roma |
|---|---|
 Yehvann Diouf (Goalkeeper)
|
 Mile Svilar (Goalkeeper)
|
 Abdulai Juma Bah (Defender)
|
Devyne Rensch (Defender)  83`
|
|
Antoine Mendy (Defender)
|
 Evan Ndicka (Defender)
|
 Dante (Defender)
|
 Gianluca Mancini (Defender)
|
|
Melvin Bard (Defender) 80`
|
 Konstantinos Tsimikas (Defender)
|
 Charles Vanhoutte (Midfielder)
|
 Zeki Celik (Defender)
|
|
Hicham Boudaoui (Midfielder) 62`
|
 Manu Koné (Midfielder) 69`
|
 Morgan Sanson (Midfielder) 62`
|
Neil El Aynaoui (Midfielder)
|
|
Tom Louchet (Midfielder)
|
 Artem Dovbyk (Attacker) 69`
|
 Jeremie Boga (Attacker) 80`
|
Matìas Soulé (Attacker) 69`
|
|
Kevin Carlos (Attacker) 63`
|
 Stephan El Shaarawy (Attacker) 46`
|
Substitutes
| Nice | Roma |
|---|---|
 Salis Abdul Samed (Midfielder)
|
 Angeliño (Defender)
|
|
Tiago Gouveia (Attacker)
|
 Pierluigi Gollini (Goalkeeper)
|
 Maxime Dupé (Goalkeeper)
|
Daniele Ghilardi (Defender)
|
|
Moïse Bombito (Defender)
|
Giorgio De Marzi (Goalkeeper)
|
|
Isak Jansson (Attacker)
|
Wesley (Defender)
|
|
Bartosz Zelazowski (Goalkeeper)
|
 Lorenzo Pellegrini (Midfielder)  46`
|
|
Kojo Peprah Oppong (Defender)
|
 Bryan Cristante (Midfielder) 69`
|
 Sofiane Diop (Attacker) 62`
|
 Evan Ferguson (Attacker)
|
 Jonathan Clauss (Defender) 62`
|
|
 Terem Moffi (Attacker) 63`
|
|
 Ali Abdi (Defender) 80`
|
|
|
Mohamed-Ali Cho (Attacker) 80`
|
