Nice 1-2 Roma Player Ratings: Evan Ndicka Rated 8.5/10 as Roma Secure a Gritty 2-1 Away Victory

Roma battled their way to a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Nice in a tense Europa League encounter. It was a game of two halves, with a cagey, goalless first period giving way to a frantic second half. From our perspective, the match truly ignited after the break.

The deadlock was shattered shortly after the restart. Roma exploded out of the blocks, scoring two goals in just three minutes. Defender Evan Ndicka broke the deadlock with a header, followed swiftly by a powerful strike from his defensive partner Gianluca Mancini. The quick-fire double left Nice stunned.

To their credit, the home side didn't crumble. They mounted a spirited comeback, and their pressure paid off when they were awarded a penalty in the 77th minute, which substitute Terem Moffi coolly converted. Despite a nervy finish, Roma's defence held firm to secure a crucial three points on the road in this match.

Here are the Nice Vs Roma Player Ratings

Roma Player Ratings vs Nice

Here are Roma Player Ratings vs Nice

Goalkeeper

Mile Svilar - 6.5: Had a relatively quiet evening but made a key save from Terem Moffi in the second half. He was commanding with high claims. However, his long-ball distribution was quite poor, with only one of eleven finding its target. Couldn't do anything about the penalty.

Defenders

Zeki Çelik - 7.0: A solid and dependable performance from the right-back. He contributed six clearances and was mostly tidy on the ball, although losing possession 18 times is a bit high. He fulfilled his defensive duties without much fuss and supported the attack when needed.

Gianluca Mancini - 8.0: Scored a fantastic goal with a powerful right-footed shot to double Roma's lead. He was aggressive throughout, committing four fouls, which shows his combative style. He was a bit shaky in the air, but his goal and overall defensive contribution were vital.

Evan Ndicka - 8.5: Our man of the match. What an outstanding performance from the center-back. He opened the scoring with a well-placed header. Defensively he was a rock, making four tackles and two interceptions. His 91% pass accuracy highlights his composure on the ball. A truly complete display.

Midfielders

Devyne Rensch - 6.5: Played in a more advanced role and showed some good moments, creating one chance and making three interceptions. However, his final product was lacking, and he was careless in possession, losing the ball 17 times. He worked hard but needed more quality.

Konstantinos Tsimikas - 7.5: A brilliant assist for Mancini's goal capped a very effective performance. He created three chances and was a constant outlet on the left. His crossing was a bit wayward at times, but his attacking intent caused problems. The late yellow card was a minor blemish.

Neil El Aynaoui - 7.5: The midfield metronome. He was exceptional in possession, boasting a 95% pass accuracy and creating three key passes. He dictated the tempo for Roma. His defensive work was also solid, with seven ball recoveries. The yellow card was the only negative in a very strong showing.

Manu Koné - 6.0: A frustrating performance from Koné. We noticed his powerful runs from midfield, but he was often clumsy, committing three fouls and picking up a booking. He lost the majority of his duels and seemed a bit off the pace before being substituted.

Forwards

Matías Soulé - 7.0: He was a live wire in attack, always looking to take on his man. He completed three dribbles and got a shot on target that forced a save. His energy was infectious, and he was a constant threat until he was taken off.

Artem Dovbyk - 5.5: A very quiet and ineffective evening for the striker. He only managed 19 touches in 69 minutes and struggled to get involved in the game. He was physically dominated, losing four of his five aerial duels. A night to forget for him.

El Shaarawy - 5.0: As captain, a lot more was expected. He was completely anonymous in the first half and was rightly substituted at the break. He lost possession frequently and failed to make any impact on the game. A very disappointing display.

Substitutes

Lorenzo Pellegrini - 7.5: Came on at halftime and changed the game completely. He immediately provided the assist for Ndicka's goal from a corner and looked sharp and creative. An inspired substitution.

Niccolò Pisilli - 5.5: Conceded the penalty with a clumsy foul shortly after coming on. Looked a bit overeager and struggled to get into the rhythm of the game.

Bryan Cristante - 6.5: Brought on to add more steel to the midfield and did his job effectively, helping Roma see out the win.

Mario Hermoso - 6.0: Replaced Rensch for the final few minutes and picked up a yellow card for a cynical foul. Helped shore up the defence.

Manager

G. Gasperini - 7.5: His decision to bring on Lorenzo Pellegrini at halftime was a masterstroke that won his team the match. He set his team up to be resilient and they executed his plan perfectly, especially in that blistering start to the second half. A tactical victory for the Roma boss.

Nice Player Ratings vs Roma

Here are Nice Player Ratings vs Roma

Goalkeeper

Yehvann Diouf - 6.0: Made two saves, including a good one to deny a header in the second half. He couldn't have done much about either of the goals, which were well-finished. His distribution was decent enough under pressure.

Defenders

Antoine Mendy - 7.5: A warrior's performance. He was a standout for Nice, winning an incredible 11 duels and making nine clearances. He also showed great determination to win the penalty for his team. A fantastic individual display despite the result.

Juma Bah - 6.5: A solid and uncompromising display at the back. He was strong in the air, winning four aerial duels, and contributed eight clearances. He kept things simple and did his job without any major errors.

Dante - 6.5: The veteran captain led by example with seven clearances and several important blocks. From our perspective, his experience was crucial in keeping the defensive line organized. His long-range passing was a bit off, but defensively he was solid.

Midfielders

Melvin Bard - 6.5: Worked tirelessly down the left flank. He was excellent in the tackle, winning all three he attempted, and tried to provide width in attack. A diligent and solid, if unspectacular, performance before being substituted.

Tom Louchet - 6.0: A very industrious but ultimately frustrating performance. He worked hard but his final ball was lacking and he lost possession 15 times. Showed some good energy but struggled to make a decisive impact on the match.

Charles Vanhoutte - 7.0: A really strong combative display in the heart of midfield. He won nine duels and made five tackles, constantly breaking up Roma's attacks. He was a disruptive force and one of Nice's better performers.

Hicham Boudaoui - 6.0: Showed flashes of his dribbling ability, completing three successful take-ons. However, he was largely on the periphery of the game and couldn't find a way to influence proceedings. Substituted after an hour.

Morgan Sanson - 5.5: It just wasn't his night. He drew several fouls but offered very little going forward and was often wasteful in possession. He was dispossessed and struggled to get into the game before being replaced.

Forwards

Jérémie Boga - 6.0: Some nice touches and dribbles, but it was all style and little substance. He created one chance but was too predictable and failed to trouble the Roma defence in any meaningful way. Needs to deliver more end product.

Kevin Carlos - 5.0: A really poor showing from the forward. He was isolated and ineffective, managing just 25 touches. He lost possession 11 times and offered no goal threat whatsoever. It was no surprise to see him substituted.

Substitutes

Terem Moffi - 7.0: Made a significant impact after coming on. He looked sharp, had a shot saved, and then confidently dispatched the penalty to give his team hope. A very positive contribution.

Sofiane Diop - 6.0: Brought on to add some creativity but struggled to find space against a compact Roma defence.

Jonathan Clauss - 6.5: Added some energy and attacking thrust down the right flank in the final half-hour.

Mohamed-Ali Cho - 6.0: Looked lively and drew a couple of fouls but couldn't create a clear-cut chance.

Ali Abdi - N/A: Came on late and had little time to influence the match.

Manager

F. Haise - 6.0: His team were caught cold by two quick goals which ultimately cost them the game. His substitutions were positive and gave Nice a lifeline through the penalty. However, his initial tactical setup was exposed in that crucial period early in the second half.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match is Evan Ndicka