Balotelli frustrated as Nice falter in title race

AFP, PARIS: Mario Balotelli endured a frustrating afternoon as Nice dropped two vital points in the French title race with a 1-1 draw at mid-table Nantes on Saturday.
Nice had plenty of the ball but Balotelli was well shackled by the home defence -- not always fairly -- and the maverick Italian striker won his side a series of free-kicks in dangerous areas that they failed to make the most of.
The draw means Nice stay third, a point behind Paris Saint-Germain and four off leaders Monaco, but both have a game in hand in a three-way tussle for the title.
Argentine forward Emiliano Sala put Nantes ahead on 22 minutes when his strike was too hot to handle for Nice goalkeeper Yoan Cardinale.
Jean Michael Seri equalised with a cracker from the edge of the box six minutes later, rifling home into the top corner.
“It is a good point,” said Nice boss Lucien Favre, whose side were the pacesetters in Ligue 1 but have been usurped at the top and only drew 2-2 home to struggling Caen last week.
“It was a difficult encounter, as expected from a team that is very committed and powerful.
“The beginning was especially difficult, but we got better and scored a great equaliser.”
Balotelli, whose early season form has dipped after a succession of injuries and suspensions, cut an increasingly demoralised figure and was often left isolated up front.
His travails were summed up 10 minutes from time when a promising breakaway for Nice left him unmarked in front of goal but a cross from the left was behind him and the move broke down.
He threw his arms up in anger. Seven minutes from time Favre subbed a despondent Balotelli, who had just one shot on target all game.

Balotelli frustrated as Nice falter in title race

AFP, PARIS: Mario Balotelli endured a frustrating afternoon as Nice dropped two vital points in the French title race with a 1-1 draw at mid-table Nantes on Saturday. Nice had plenty of the ball but Balotelli was well shackled by the home defence -- not always fairly -- and the maverick Italian striker won his side a series of free-kicks in dangerous areas that they failed to make the most of. The draw means Nice stay third, a point behind Paris Saint-Germain and four off leaders Monaco, but both have a game in hand in a three-way tussle for the title. Argentine forward Emiliano Sala put Nantes ahead on 22 minutes when his strike was too hot to handle for Nice goalkeeper Yoan Cardinale. Jean Michael Seri equalised with a cracker from the edge of the box six minutes later, rifling home into the top corner. It is a good point, said Nice boss Lucien Favre, whose side were the pacesetters in Ligue 1 but have been usurped at the top and only drew 2-2 home to struggling Caen last week. It was a difficult encounter, as expected from a team that is very committed and powerful. The beginning was especially difficult, but we got better and scored a great equaliser. Balotelli, whose early season form has dipped after a succession of injuries and suspensions, cut an increasingly demoralised figure and was often left isolated up front. His travails were summed up 10 minutes from time when a promising breakaway for Nice left him unmarked in front of goal but a cross from the left was behind him and the move broke down. He threw his arms up in anger. Seven minutes from time Favre subbed a despondent Balotelli, who had just one shot on target all game.