Balotelli scores twice on Nice debut

Paris, Sep 12: Nice’s new signing Mario Balotelli scored twice on his debut as they won 3-2 over Marseille in a Mediterranean football derby in French Ligue 1 at the Allianz Riviera. With the victory on Sunday, Nice move up to the second place on the Ligue 1 table, behind leaders Moco on goal difference. Italian fallen star Balotelli, who moved to the French club on a reported free transfer, found the back of the net from the pelty spot just seven minutes into the game.

He added a second in the 78th minute, heading home a cross from Ricardo Pereira from close range. Florian Thauvin, on loan from Newcastle, equalised for Marseille on 14 minutes before ex-Swansea striker Bafetimbi Gomis put the visitors in front with a spot-kick in the 73rd minute. Just three minutes from time, Wylan Cyprien scored a superb long-range winner to help Nice roar back and stch all three points after Balotelli’s second goal. IANS