Roma opened the Europa League group stage with a win. Away at Allianz Riviera, the Italians beat Nice 2-1 and picked up three crucial points. But the match will be remembered for another reason. The club reached its 98th victory in UEFA competitions like the UEFA Cup and Europa League, tying Tottenham at the top of the all-time winners list in these tournaments.
Roma is big in Italy and has plenty of tradition, but it still doesn’t carry the status of a true European giant. At least now, it stands level with a Premier League powerhouse.
Defenders steal the spotlight
The game started balanced, with the French side trying their luck from distance while Roma held more of the ball. Mancini’s first-half goal was disallowed for offside, but the team came back determined after the break. In just three minutes, the match was settled. In the 52nd minute, Evan N’Dicka headed home from a corner to break the deadlock. Moments later, Gianluca Mancini capitalized on another set piece to make it 2-0.
Nice pulled one back when Pisilli fouled Mendy in the box and Terem Moffi converted the penalty. The hosts pushed hard until the final whistle, but Roma’s defense held firm to secure a victory that will be remembered as historic by its fans.
Mancini writes his name into Roma’s history
On top of playing a key role in the win that put Roma at the top of the European ranking, Mancini also reached a personal milestone. His goal against Nice was his 19th for the club, placing him among the highest-scoring defenders in Roma’s history. He matched Sebino Nela and Aleksandar Kolarov, moving within one goal of Aldair, the Serie A champion and fan favorite. Above them all, Christian Panucci still leads the way with 31.
The result in Nice was built by players who don’t usually take center stage, but they delivered a win with double meaning: crucial points in the group stage and a spot alongside Tottenham in European history.