Nice vs Lyonnais - Favre satisfied with Balotelli's start to life at Nice

Mario Balotelli will look to extend a storming start to his Nice career when the Ligue 1 leaders face fifth-placed Lyon on Friday.

Balotelli has scored six goals in five games since joining the club and has already declared his desire to win the coveted Ballon D'Or.

The Italian will be free to face Lyon after having a second yellow card issued at the end of last week's win over Lorient rescinded upon appeal.

While Balotelli has been the star of Nice's stunning unbeaten start to the new campaign, coach Lucien Favre is urging the player to continue to improve.

Favre told French media: "He has a great right foot and an extraordinary mind-game and soon he will reach a level which is acceptable to his ambitions.

"He has said himself that he wants to win the Ballon D'Or but the road is still very long for him.

"He needs to work on his movements in order to regain the level to which he aspires."

Lyon go into the game with a number of injury concerns and with one eye on next Tuesday's UEFA Champions League clash with Juventus.

Clement Grenier and Alexandre Lacazette are set to rejoin the squad after recovering from the injuries which kept them out of the 2-0 win over St Etienne.

Coach Bruno Genesio said: "The treatment room is gradually emptying and I look forward to having all my players back in order to show the true face of my team.

"The contribution of those who are injured will help us, but we must find a collective discipline to face both the game against Nice and Juventus."