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Mario Balotelli: Liverpool flop and Nice star gets in Christmas spirit by donning Santa hat after hitting brace

Italian striker now has eight goals in eight games for new club and showed he's in a festive mood with novelty celebration

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IT’S the season of cheer for Mario Balotelli as the resurgent striker donned a Santa hat after hitting a brace for Nice.

Liverpool flop Balotelli scored both goals in the 2-1 win over Dijon, helping his new team move seven points clear of Paris Saint-Germain in the race for the title.

 Mario Balotelli donned a Santa hat after sending Nice clear at the top of the table
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Mario Balotelli donned a Santa hat after sending Nice clear at the top of the tableCredit: Getty Images

Balotelli now has eight goals in as many games and showed he was feeling the festive love from the fans by putting on a Santa hat at the final whistle.


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Nice have lost just once this season and were sure to be thrilled after watching current champs PSG slip to a shock 2-1 defeat to Guingamp on Saturday.

Unai Emery’s men have some work to do if they want to retain their title for yet another season.

 The Liverpool flop scored a brace for his new side on Sunday
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The Liverpool flop scored a brace for his new side on SundayCredit: Reuters
 Balotelli now has eight goals in eight games for Nice
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Balotelli now has eight goals in eight games for NiceCredit: Getty Images

But it appears Nice’s closest challenge will come from Monaco, who can move one point behind them with victory over Lyon tonight.

The principality team are in flying form and have struck an incredible 53 goals – 20 more than PSG and 19 more than Nice.


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 PSG have slipped seven points off the top with another defeat
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PSG have slipped seven points off the top with another defeatCredit: AP:Associated Press
 Radamel Falcao and Monaco will be hoping to close the gap on Sunday night
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Radamel Falcao and Monaco will be hoping to close the gap on Sunday nightCredit: Getty Images

Many are putting their recent run down to Radamel Falcao, who is starting to find his best form again.

The Colombian struggled to make an impact in the Premier League but – like Balotelli – is becoming a regular at hitting the back of the net across the Channel.

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