Corner Kings Exposed: Unravelling OGC Nice’s Defensive Dominance And The Tactics To Topple Them – Set-Piece Analysis

OGC Nice occupy the sixth position in the Ligue 1 with 40 points after 25 matches, having won 11 matches, drawn seven, and lost seven.

The competition intensifies this season in Ligue 1 as Nice trail Brest, the team in the second position, by only six points.

The competition is fierce in these ranks, with PSG leading the table on 56 points in the first position so far.

On the offensive front,??Nice is struggling significantly compared to their competitors, as they are considered the fourth weakest defensive line in the league, having scored only 24 goals, averaging 0.96 goals per match.

To illustrate the teams scoring problem, it is noteworthy that Marseille, currently in one position after them in seventh place, have scored 40 goals.

However, defensively, they boast the best defensive line in the league alongside Brest, the team in second place, having conceded only 19.

One of the significant factors contributing to this formidable defence is their prowess in defending set pieces.

They have conceded only a single goal from set pieces, making them the team with the fewest goals conceded from set pieces in the league.

They are the team with the lowest expected goals (xG) conceded from set pieces in the Ligue 1, with a value of 4.04.

Upon closer examination, it becomes evident that their proficiency in defending corner kicks is one of the key factors behind their defensive superiority.

In this tactical analysis, we will discuss Nices defensive scheme during corner kicks and the varied tactics implemented by Francesco Farioli in different scenarios.

Also, we will explain the weaknesses that opponents can exploit.

OGC Nice defending Formation

Well start by dissecting their defending scheme in corners, knowing why they are so good at protecting their goal at corners and their strengths.

Then, we will go to their weaknesses that opponents can exploit.

In the photo below, they are shown defending with a hybrid system involving four zonal defenders, four man markers, a short-option defender, and a rebound defender.

Sometimes, they dispense with the last zonal defenders, leaving only three zonal defenders to increase man markers, as shown below.

Continuing wit