Football
Ian Holyman, France correspondent 8y

Mario Balotelli's impact at Ligue 1 has surprised Nice coach Lucien Favre

Nice coach Lucien Favre has admitted even he has been surprised by Mario Balotelli's stunning start to in Ligue 1.

Balotelli, 26, struck twice in Nice's 4-0 defeat of Cote d'Azur neighbours Monaco on Wednesday, helping propel his unbeaten side to the top of the table.

The double also took Balotelli's individual tally to four goals in two league outings in France following the brace he scored on his debut in a 3-2 defeat of Marseille earlier this month.

"I didn't expect it," Favre told his media postmatch when asked about the deadline-day signing's eye-catching first steps in Ligue 1.

"With Mario, we know there is still a lot of work to be done on his movement to play with the team. He was good in getting deep. His first goal was a hard one to score. The angle was difficult, the goalkeeper is good."

Favre said that the former Liverpool striker still has room for improvement, adding: "He has to keep going like that, and [when] he becomes aware [of] that he'll get back to his very best if he's professional from head to toe.

"After some difficult years for him, recovery will be key in him getting back to the top. Little by little, we're going to try to help him get stronger."

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