Les Aiglons lost 1-2 to Fiorentina in their final warm-up game with a reshuffled team. Badredine Bouanani scored a superb goal to reduce the deficit late on.

The day after their encouraging 1-1 draw with Villarreal, Les Aiglons were back at St James' Park to take on Fiorentina as the Sela Cup and their preparations drew to a close. With a reshuffled and rejuvenated line-up compared to the previous day - to give as many players as possible a chance to shine with a week to go before the start of the new season - Les Rouge et Noir were dominated in the first half.

Once again up against a European side in the shape of La Viola, recent finalists in the Conference League, the young Aiglons were unable to shake off the Italians' pressure in the first half. Hampered by Sabiri's incursions, Nice eventually conceded the opening goal when Jovic found Kouamé deep in space (0-1, 17'). 

Les Niçois went into the break trailing by two goals. Kouamé was alert in the box after a scramble following a corner, and he fired past Schmeichel from close range (0-2, 35'). 

Bouanani's lightning bolt

Francesco Farioli's side were harder to break down and more at ease in their passing, and they raised their game in the second half to make it an even contest. Badredine Bouanani was the shining light of the afternoon in Newcastle. Set up by Belahyane, who had a fine second half, the Algerian international curled a superb left-footed shot into the top corner of Terracciano's net (1-2, 85'). 

Despite this flash of brilliance from their number 22, Les Rouge et Noir were unable to grab an equaliser in the dying moments. 

After a final week of pre-season preparations, Le Gym will now get ready for the start of the league season, scheduled for Friday 11 August (21:00) against Lille at the Allianz Riviera.

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Hugo Rondet