The Mediterranean derby was decided when Marseille defender Leonardo Balerdi was sent off for a second yellow card and substitute Evann Guessand headed in the resulting free-kick in the 79th minute.
The result maintained Nice's unbeaten record this season under 34-year-old Italian coach Francesco Farioli and left them top, although Cote d'Azur rivals Monaco will replace them at the summit by beating Metz on Sunday.
Nice have enjoyed a fine start to the season despite British owner Jim Ratcliffe being focused on acquiring a stake in Manchester United.
"We need to look at the league table as little as possible, but it has been a very positive start to the season," said Farioli. Marseille have won only once in four games under new coach Gennaro Gattuso and are seven points behind the leaders.
October 21, 2023