Balotelli brace keeps Nice on top

Paris - Mario Balotelli scored twice on his return to the starting lineup as Ligue 1 leader Nice stretched its advantage at the top to four points on Sunday with a 2-1 victory at home to Dijon.

The Italy striker made his first league start in six weeks after recovering from a calf injury and converted a first-half penalty to fire Nice ahead at the Allianz Riviera.

Julio Tavares replied with a spot-kick for Dijon five minutes later, but Balotelli turned home the winner early in the second half to send Nice seven points clear of reigning champion Paris Saint-Germain.

Second-place Monaco could trim the gap back to just a single point with a win over Lyon in Sunday's late game.

Balotelli played a full 90 minutes and scored a late consolation in Wednesday's 3-2 defeat against Bordeaux in the French League Cup, with his return providing a timely boost for Lucien Favre's men.

Wylan Cyprien stung the palms of Baptiste Reynet with a free-kick midway through the opening period and Nice grabbed the lead on 32 minutes after Alassane Plea was fouled by Yunis Abdelhamid.

Balotelli converted from the spot for his first league goal since October 30, although the advantage was short-lived with Arnaud Souquet harshly penalised for a challenge on Vincent Rufli in the Nice area.

Cape Verde international Tavares swept home to level and revive Dijon's hopes of snapping a seven-game winless run that has seen the club sucked into the relegation places.

But former Dijon defender Souquet atoned for his earlier foul with a low strike across goal that Balotelli poked in as the flag stayed down despite replays showing the Italian was in an offside position.