PLAYER RATINGS | Nice 1-1 Lille: Late Bafodé Diakité leveller denies Francesco Farioli winning start

OGC Nice’s Francesco Farioli was denied a dream start to his managerial reign ar the Riviera club by an injury-time Bafodé Diakité equaliser. Gaëtan Laborde had given Nice the lead in the first half.

Lille looked like the more well-oiled machine early on, but Nice quickly took control and looked dangerous in transition. Rémy Cabella, who had a nightmare performance at the Allianz Riviera last season, was responsible for giving the ball away cheaply to Khéphren Thuram. Two passes and a chipped finish later and Lille were behind thanks to Laborde. 

Les Aiglons could have doubled their lead had Thuram opted to shoot and not pass just a minute later, but Lille were dangerous too. Marcin Bulka pulled off important saves from Jonathan David and Cabella before the break. 

The second-half was less open, less energetic and chances were at a premium. However, a huge chance fell to Lille at the death, and they took it. Bafodé Diakité rose highest to nod home, salvage a draw for Paulo Fonseca’s Lille and deal a cruel blow to Farioli. 

Marcin Bulka – 7 – Bulka or Kasper Schmeichel was the big debate pre-match. Ultimately, it looks like the former has won the battle for the number one jersey, and he justified Farioli’s choice with a brilliant performance. Key saves from David and Cabella were pivotal.

Melvin Bard – 3 – Left-back is an area where Nice are looking to strengthen, and you can see why. Bard is still too error-prone and too often gets his side into difficult situations. The left-back berth doesn’t look like being his for too much longer based on this viewing. 

Dante – 5

Jean-Clair Todibo – 5

Youcef Attal – 6

Khéphren Thuram – 5 – Not a vintage Thuram performance, but he did make his mark. It was his interception and pass that set