OGC Nice are not only one of the early leaders at the top of Ligue 1 but they also have the best defensive record in Europe’s top 5 leagues. Francesco Farioli was questioned by many when he was appointed by INEOS as the head boss at the Allianz Riviera. However, he hasn’t just turned Nice into one of the most defensively solid sides in Europe, but one of the most complete teams under his tactical philosophy.
Under the Italian’s tutelage, Nice have only conceded four goals. This record cannot be beaten by any team in Ligue 1 or the other 4 major European top flights. For context, Nice’s closest competitors for this accolade in each of the top 5 leagues are:
- Inter (5 conceded)
- Eintracht Frankfurt (6 conceded)
- Real Madrid (7 conceded)
- Manchester City (7 conceded)
In addition to conceding the fewest goals in Europe’s major divisions, Les Aiglons have also kept the most clean sheets. Farioli’s men have kept 6 clean sheets at the time of writing. Their latest clean sheet came in a 1-0 victory against Marseille. The Côte d’Azur side’s defensive unit is largely to thank for this with former PSG keeper Marcin Bulka also having an incredible start to the season – the Polish stopper recently won the UNFP Player of the Month for September.
