Balotelli: Nice can win Ligue 1 title

Paris - Seeking to bounce back from tough times at Liverpool and AC Milan, maverick Mario Balotelli says his adopted club Nice can lift the French title.

Nice is unbeaten in 11 games and top the table ahead of Monaco. It's six points clear of big spender Paris Saint-Germain helped by a Balotelli purple patch of seven goals in eight games.

Balotelli was asked whether Nice could hold on to its lead to grab the title from PSG and France's other established names.

"It's possible but it will be difficult. We've only played 11 games. But I'm here to win something so I think it's possible," the Italy international striker said in an interview with TF1's Telefoot programme broadcast Sunday.

The 26-year-old had a poor stint across two seasons with Liverpool and an equally disappointing second spell with Milan before winding up at Nice.

But the seemingly backwater move has paid dividends, and the Cote d'Azur side - which won four championships in the 1950s - has taken to him as he has to iy.

Nice was "a good side, even without Mario," joked Balotelli.

"I am happy, We are top of the league. But that isn't enough for me."

His exploits have not been enough to earn an Italy recall from coach Giampiero Ventura, who left him off the squad for a World Cup qualifier this month against Liechtenstein and a friendly against Germany, which he majestically knocked out of Euro 2012.

Since a poor 2014 World Cup, Balotelli has not featured for the Squadra Azzurra.

Balotelli said he found the French league a tougher competition than he had imagined.

"When I arrived I thought it would be a lot easier."

Nice was looking to add to its strong start later Sunday with a win over Caen.