Mansion Sports – The opening round of the 2025/2026 UEFA Europa League will feature an intriguing clash between French side Nice and Italian giants AS Roma.

The encounter is set to take place at the Allianz Riviera on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, with kick-off scheduled for 21:00 local time.

This meeting between clubs from two different leagues is not only about securing the first three points, but also an opportunity for both sides to make a statement as they head into the group stage under contrasting circumstances.

Nice in Search of a Revival

For hosts Nice, this fixture could mark a turning point after a disappointing start to their domestic campaign. In their opening five Ligue 1 matches, they collected only six points. 

A heavy 1-4 defeat to Brest in their most recent outing further highlighted their defensive frailties.

Across all competitions so far, Nice have managed just two wins from seven matches. Their attack has been underwhelming with only six goals scored, while their defense has already conceded 13 times. 

It is no surprise that the Europa League is now viewed as a chance to rebuild confidence and rediscover form.

Their European record offers little comfort. After failing to reach the Champions League group stage due to a 0-4 aggregate defeat to Benfica, Nice have been redirected to the Europa League. 

Last season, they endured a disastrous group stage campaign without a single win. Head coach Franck Haise is fully aware of the need to begin this season’s continental journey with far greater conviction.

AS Roma Arrive with Confidence

On the opposite side, AS Roma enter the competition in a far stronger position. From their opening four Serie A fixtures, they secured three victories, including a significant 1-0 triumph over Lazio in the Derby della Capitale courtesy of Lorenzo Pellegrini’s goal.

That derby success carried weight beyond the points, symbolizing the start of Gian Piero Gasperini’s tenure after replacing Claudio Ranieri in June. 

Gasperini’s reputation in European competitions precedes him, most notably for guiding Atalanta to Europa League glory in 2024.

Roma’s European pedigree in recent years further fuels their ambition. They lifted the UEFA Conference League trophy in 2022, reached the Europa League final in 2023, and while they exited in the Round of 16 last season, the determination to compete at the highest level remains intact. 

This clash with Nice marks not only an early test but also the first official meeting between the two clubs.

Predicted Lineups Nice vs AS Roma 2025

Nice (3-4-2-1)

• Goalkeeper: Yehvann Diouf
• Defenders: Oppong, Juma Bah, Melvin Bard
• Midfielders: Jonathan Clauss, Hicham Boudaoui, Charles Vanhoutte, Tiago Gouveia
• Attacking Midfielders: Sofiane Diop, Jérémie Boga
• Forward: Terem Moffi
• Head Coach: Franck Haise

Injury concerns remain a pressing issue for Nice. Veteran defender Dante is sidelined with a knee injury, while Tanguy Ndombele, Mohamed Abdelmonem, Djibril Coulibaly, Ali Abdi, and Youssouf Ndayishimiye are also unavailable. These absences leave their midfield in particular vulnerable to over-rotation.

AS Roma (3-4-2-1)

• Goalkeeper: Mile Svilar
• Defenders: Zeki Çelik, Gianluca Mancini, Evan Ndicka
• Midfielders: Devyne Rensch, Bryan Cristante, Manu Koné, Angeliño
• Attacking Midfielders: Matías Soulé, Lorenzo Pellegrini
• Forward: Evan Ferguson
• Head Coach: Gian Piero Gasperini

Roma are not without their own concerns. Paulo Dybala remains a doubt after missing the last two matches, Leon Bailey has yet to regain full fitness since arriving from Aston Villa, while Wesley Franca and Mario Hermoso continue their recovery processes.

Final Thoughts

The matchday one encounter between Nice and AS Roma in the 2025/2026 UEFA Europa League promises to be a captivating contest. 

Nice are desperate to recover from their domestic struggles, while Roma seek to underline their credentials as one of the competition’s strongest contenders.

With the predicted lineups for Nice vs AS Roma 2025 now available, the focus turns to how both managers will implement their strategies on the pitch. 

Will Nice deliver a surprise on home soil, or will Roma secure a valuable away victory? One certainty is that the drama will begin from the opening whistle.