AS Monaco has not defeated OGC Nice in the principality since the 1996-1997 season. The two most recent encounters ended in two 0-0 draws despite a penalty by Ederson saved by Roma last year. In the Alpes Maritimes, the focus is more on the recent victories. The one in the Coupe de la Ligue semi-final (1-0, Ederson’s goal see [article](https://www.nicepremium.fr/spip.php?article411&var_mode=calcul)) and the 4-3 victory on October 2, 2004, with a hat trick by Victor Agali after being down 3-0.
All this is fine, revives a spark in many in Nice, but it belongs to the past. The present is Saturday night at 8 p.m. at Stade Louis II. Last year, the derby involved two teams at the bottom of the standings; this time, it brings together two teams at the top. OGC Nice is currently ranked fifth with 23 points, while AS Monaco is eighth (21 points). Close in the rankings, but the two clubs have had different paths. Nice has been very consistent, unbeaten in five matches and has never lost twice in a row. In the principality, it’s the opposite. Ricardo’s players have been erratic. First after the sixth day, they then plunged to 12th place after suffering five consecutive defeats. Unbeaten in four matches, the course seems corrected, and the Monegasque ship is once again sailing in calm waters.
ASM can count on talented players. The return of Néné has done them a lot of good. Opponents of the red and white are always under threat from an individual feat by Menez, Pino, Piquionne, or Gakpé. At the back, Flavio Roma, the Italian goalkeeper, stands guard.
For the Eagles, it is the collective effort that stands out. With only twelve goals conceded in fourteen games, OGC Nice’s defense is the second-best in the top flight. The offense struggles more but relies on Baky Koné, irresistible this season, who has already scored seven goals. On the occasion of the derby, Nice will play with a new camouflage-style jersey, to remain on the lookout and ready to strike at the right moment. Beware of overconfidence. The Monegasques are not easy prey. ASM’s vice-president, Gérard Brianti, showed discomfort regarding Nice’s new jersey: “It’s in bad taste. I find this jersey a bit aggressive. It’s a bit much. I like when Monaco faces Nice in its colors. Frankly, I wonder what the League will think of it…” His comments resonate with those of Frédéric Antonetti, OGC Nice’s coach, to our colleagues at Le Parisien: “I don’t find it attractive. My preference is the red and black jersey. This one has no significance. Some people are just having fun. It’s the era of merchandising, as they say.” The objective of this new jersey was to generate buzz and sell new products. Mission accomplished. The most important thing remains the game. Stay tuned Saturday night just before 10 p.m.
Article 2006
[Before the Match](https://www.nicepremium.fr/article/as-monaco-ogc-nice-le-derby-des-derniers-de-la-classe.1300.html)
[After the Match](https://www.nicepremium.fr/spip.php?article1311&var_mode=calcul)
Analysis by Claude Couvet, one of the few neutral journalists at Actufoot06 since he covers AS Cannes:
“OGC Nice has displayed a collective spirit and unbreakable solidarity since the beginning of the season. The match against PSG is the perfect example. This team relies on experienced players such as Echouafni, Laslandes, Rool, and Hognon. There is a beautiful complementarity between the three forwards. Laslandes with his ability to pass and hold the ball, Koné, who can make a difference with his speed, and Ederson, capable of turning the situation around with his individual feats. This latter does well against Monaco. We remember his victorious 40-meter shot at the Ray in 2005 or his goal in the Coupe de la Ligue semi-final at Louis II in 2006. However, he missed a penalty last season at Monaco. On the Monegasque side, there are very high-quality individuals, but the collective is not yet fully operational. The threat can come from Menez, Meriem, or Piquionne, whose reputation precedes them, but also from the South Americans Pino and Nene. Defensively, Monaco is well-equipped with players like Bolivar and Monsoreau. The last two Monaco-Nice matches in L1 ended in 0-0 draws, and I foresee a similar score this season. The talented Roma and Lloris should keep their nets untouched.”
Actufoot special OGC Nice, every match eve from Friday
Nice supporters have long demanded a magazine made in Nice. With all humility but full of ambition, this is Actufoot’s new red and black wager. All the ingredients that have made its success for 6 years will be gathered to stay as close as possible to the Eagles’ news. The big interview, the portrait, the question of the week, the consultant, the interview in pictures, the youth, the face-to-face, the supporter’s column, and all the news… As many sections as you will find from Friday, November 30, in issue 1 of Actufoot spécial OGC Nice, the first weekly entirely dedicated to OGC Nice. Sold in kiosks for 0.70 euros, it will be released every match week, Friday. It’s your pre-match. The essential complement to the free Actufoot06, to fully experience Saturday’s match.
The whole Actufoot team thanks the supporters for their support since February.
Actufoot special OGC Nice, every match week on Friday, 20 pages, €0.70.
The editorial staff of Nice-Premium salutes this initiative and wishes lots of success to this new publication from our colleagues and friends at Actufoot.
