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It was a good day for former City star and larger-than-life character, Mario Balotelli as he netted twice on his debut for new club, Nice.

The self-proclaimed ‘Super Mario’ once again had a smile on his face as his side defeated Marseille 3-2 in Ligue 1.

Andy Warren from the Daily Mail had this to say.

“Balotelli has quickly began to repay Nice’s faith, though, as his lethal finishing ability and nonchalant swagger inspired them to victory in their derby clash.

“The Italian provided the spark in an entertaining game… On what was a big night for Balotelli, he was involved early on as he narrowly failed to connect with a through-ball to Alassane Plea before then getting close to a near-post header, but he wasn’t to be denied for long.

“After Jean Seri charged into the box and was shoved to the floor, there was no doubting who was going to take responsibility for the penalty.”

He scored and “celebrated in trademark style, arms stretched wide as he looked into the crowd… Balotelli struck just a few minutes later as he headed home a well-placed cross with a powerful finish inside the six-yard box.”

A great start for the Italian.

Meanwhile…

  • DeBruyne and Stones selected in Garth Crook’s Team of the Week [BBC Sport]
  • Suarez has netted 88 goals and claimed 43 assists for Barcelona in his first 100 games – Better than Cristiano Ronaldo’s first 100 games at Real Madrid [Sky Sports]
  • Roma legend, Totti and former City man, Dzeko superb in AS win [ESPN FC]
  • After four games, City all alone at the top of the league [Premier League]