Mario Balotelli had a bittersweet afternoon at the Allianz Riviera, where he scored a stunning winning goal to put Nice top of Ligue 1 but was later dismissed in the 2-1 win over Lorient.
The Italy international, who was overlooked for a recall to the Azzurri this weekend despite his excellent form in France, shot brilliantly into the top corner with a curling shot from the edge of the box with four minutes to restore his side’s advantage after Benjamin Moukandjo cancelled out Ricardo Pereira’s opener.
Balotelli, however, was booked for his celebration as he removed his shirt following what proved the game’s decisive moment.
Two minutes into stoppage time at the end of the game, he was then shown a second yellow after a seemingly innocuous clash with a defender on the left touchline.
The striker, who has five goals in Ligue 1 already since signing from Liverpool on a free transfer on August 31, therefore faces a suspension when Lucien Favre’s side tackle Nice after the international break.
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