Football: Mika Biereth nets hat-trick as Monaco run riot against 10-men Nantes

Mika Biereth stepping up to convert his penalty against Nantes at the Stade Louis II

Despite an early scare, AS Monaco hit Nantes for seven at the Stade Louis II on Saturday (7-1) as Mika Biereth netted another hat-trick.

The match ended with euphoria for Monaco but it began with a scare. Having lost back-to-back matches, Adi Hütter – and the players – were very much under the microscope, even more so when Matthis Abline opened the scoring in the fourth minute, profiting from some poor build-up play from Monaco deep within their own half.

But, despite trailing, they were handed a boost in the seventh minute with Nicolas Cozza given his marching records by the referee for a clumsy but not malicious studs-up challenge on Vanderson’s shin.

That man advantage, however, was not immediately put to good use. Nantes doubled down on their gameplan, sitting compact and hitting on the break but it worked to good effect. Abline and Moses Simon continued to wreak havoc, particularly the latter, who was not contained by Thilo Kehrer. Abline had another chance to double Les Canaris’ advantage but thereafter, Monaco seized the initiative.

4 goals in 10 minutes for Monaco

A quickfire double just before the break very much changed Adi Hütter’s teamtalk. Biereth got the first, stabbing home from close range and the second came just 69 seconds later. Lamine Camara found Takumi Minamino in behind who beat Anthony Lopes with a lobbed finish; it was far from the last time that the former Lyon goalkeeper would be picking the ball out of the back of the net.

Monaco came out with intent to kill the game early in the second half and they did just that. Eliesse Ben Seghir got the first before Biereth then doubled his account with another predator’s finish, popping up once again in the right place. Having scored four goals in the space of just 10 minutes either side of half-time, Nantes were in damage limitation mode, but the damage was not limited.

A “shameful” defeat for Nantes

Biereth attracted a foul from Nicolas Pallois inside the box and then stepped up to finish it himself, completing his hat trick. That is his seventh goal in Ligue 1 since joining from Sturm Graz last month. He is already the Principality club’s top-scorer in Ligue 1, despite playing just five matches in the competition.

George Ilenikhena then came off the bench to net a brace on his return from injury to round out the scoring and inflict Nantes’ heaviest-ever defeat in Ligue 1, described by Les Canaris manager Antoine Kombouaré as “shameful,” a “slap in the face,” and “an accident”.

“I am saddened by the record,” added the Nantes manager. Those emotions contrasted starkly with those expressed by Adi Hütter post-match, not that he was entirely satisfied either.

Monaco’s most comprehensive win under Hütter

“It was a horror start,” admitted Hütter, who added, “7-1, since I arrived here it is the highest score for us […] it was important to show a reaction.” That reaction was needed after a heavy defeat to PSG last weekend and a potentially decisive defeat to Benfica in the Champions League in midweek.

Hütter added that he doesn’t believe the 7-1 drubbing will have an impact on the return leg against Benfica in Lisbon on Tuesday but he will at least hope that there is momentum. It was – on paper – Monaco’s most emphatic victory under Hütter and one that can perhaps steer Les Monégasques back in the right direction with some crucial fixtures coming up.

 

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Photo source: AS Monaco

Ventimiglia welcomes future international school with site visit to ‘Borgo del Forte Campus’ project

A key milestone in the development of the ‘Borgo del Forte Campus’ was marked on 13th February with a site visit to the Campasso di Nervia area in Ventimiglia, where an ambitious international school and sports complex will soon take shape. Officials, stakeholders, and project leaders gathered to review plans for the large-scale redevelopment, which aims to transform the former railway site into a state-of-the-art educational and leisure hub.

The ‘Borgo del Forte Campus – Liguria International School’ will span 40,000 square meters, offering a high-quality international curriculum for students aged four to 18. Designed to integrate into Ventimiglia’s broader urban revitalisation plan, the campus will attract local and international families seeking top-tier education while also serving as a dynamic space for community engagement. The school building, situated within an urban park, will accommodate approximately 700 students and include modern classrooms, laboratories, and a large lecture hall for conferences and public events.

From the left: Domenico Calimera, Ventimiglia City Councillor; Adriano Catalano, Ventimiglia City Councillor; Andrea Coppola, Mayor’s staff, Ventimiglia City Council; Anselmo de Titta, Chief Executive Officer, Marina Development Corporation; Serena Calcopietro, Ventimiglia Municipality Councillor. Photo source: MDC

Beyond education, the campus will offer extensive sports and leisure facilities. A fully equipped gym, an indoor swimming pool accessible year-round, and changing rooms will be constructed alongside a vast green area for outdoor activities. The development will also incorporate cultural and historical elements by collaborating with the adjacent archaeological site. The former Campasso guesthouse will also be repurposed into student accommodation, while the old railway depot will be transformed into an exhibition space and educational centre.

The international school will be operated by Blenheim Schools, the international division of Chatsworth Schools, which, in partnership with the Municipality of Ventimiglia, will oversee the design of learning spaces and the integration of the school within the wider community.

The Borgo del Forte Campus will cover 40,000 sqm.

Marina Development Corporation (MDC) and Namira SGR, the main developers of the project, say the redevelopment will not only improve Ventimiglia’s urban landscape but also respect environmental protection measures. Working closely with the authorities, the plan includes bringing back native plants, strengthening ecological corridors, and using sustainable building methods with energy-efficient materials and renewable energy sources.

Councillor Adriano Catalano, during the inspection, said: “This is a very significant day because we have taken the first steps towards this intervention. As I have always reiterated, our territory is highly attractive to local businesses and beyond. We are starting with the redevelopment of areas that are no longer in use and have become a symbol of neglect. One of the pillars of this administration has always been to intervene in abandoned areas that need revitalisation. This is an important example, where on one hand, we preserve the historical legacy of Ventimiglia. This intervention, while maintaining the essence of these buildings, aims to give them a new life.”

With the completion of initial planning phases, environmental remediation work is set to begin in the coming weeks.

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A new kind of spa in Monaco: L&L Wellbeing puts hair and scalp health in the spotlight

Monaco is no stranger to luxury beauty experiences, but a new wellness destination is redefining hair care in the Principality. L&L Wellbeing, which opened in September at the Palais de la Scala, is the first space in Monaco entirely dedicated to the health of hair and scalp. More than just treatments, it offers a holistic experience designed to relax both the mind and body.

For Lidia Tudisco, co-founder of L&L Wellbeing with Lola Buzukja, the inspiration behind the salon runs deeper than aesthetics. “In creating my salon, I was deeply inspired by the writer Khalil Gibran, who wrote, ‘Do not forget that the earth delights to feel your bare feet, and the winds long to play with your hair.’ For my team and I, true beauty lies in the freedom of both hair and spirit. As we care for each client, we embrace their uniqueness, treating each session as a ritual—reciting a mantra to nurture both their well-being and individuality.”

A unique approach to hair and scalp health

Hair care is often overlooked in the world of self-care, but L&L Wellbeing is changing that. Many struggle with issues like dryness, irritation, excess oil, dandruff, or thinning hair—yet few prioritise scalp health. “The opening of this salon was designed to innovate the concept of hairdressing and salons, providing a fresh approach to the health of hair and the scalp, which unfortunately is often overlooked in many existing salons,” Tudisco explains.

At the heart of L&L Wellbeing is the Head Spa, where treatments go beyond superficial care. Clients receive deep cleansing, hydration, massage, and detoxification to enhance scalp health and promote stronger, shinier hair. Treatments are paired with a scalp massage that stimulates all nerve centres, allowing for total relaxation. “We aim to create an ASMR experience by combining natural scalp and hair treatments with soothing massages, calming music, and aromatherapy,” Tudisco adds.

Another key differentiator is the focus on natural, biodegradable products. “We believe that using natural products for the face, body, and, of course, hair contributes to overall well-being. Additionally, we are committed to helping the planet by ensuring that all our products are biodegradable.”

Treatments that combine tradition and innovation

L&L Wellbeing merges modern techniques with traditional healing therapies, offering a fully immersive self-care experience. The treatment menu caters to a variety of concerns, from excess oil production and hair loss to damaged, brittle strands.

Clients also benefit from cutting-edge technology. “What sets us apart from others is our focus on scalp health. Over the past few months, we have witnessed numerous issues such as hair loss, dandruff, oily scalp, and excessively dry scalp. We practice deep cleansing using specific products and accessories, allowing clients to see the results with our professional Tricocamera.”

To further enhance its offerings, L&L Wellbeing has introduced Shirodhara in March. “Shirodhara is an ancient Ayurvedic treatment known for its relaxing and therapeutic properties,” Tudisco explains. “During the treatment, a constant stream of warm oil, enriched with herbs and essential oils, is gently poured on the forehead and head. This process offers numerous benefits, including deep relaxation, mental clarity, and scalp nourishment.”

Educating clients and expanding the future of hair wellness

Beyond offering treatments, L&L Wellbeing aims to raise awareness about the importance of regular scalp care. “Our goal is to educate clients on the importance of monthly treatments to care for their hair and prevent excessive hair loss,” says Tudisco. The salon encourages first-time visitors to learn about the benefits of scalp treatments, knowing that testimonials and positive experiences play a crucial role in attracting new clients.

Looking ahead, Tudisco envisions growth and innovation. “We are committed to continuous development. We aim to expand our team and enhance the range of treatments we offer.” With new services like Shirodhara and a steadfast focus on holistic hair wellness, L&L Wellbeing is setting a new standard for self-care in Monaco.

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

Photo: Lidia Tudisco and Lola Buzukja. Credit: Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life