Mario Balotelli opened his Europa League account for Nice on Thursday before keeling over sick as Nice went into half-time of their at Krasnodar in Russia at 2-1 down.

Mario Balotelli

Trailing after strikes from Fedor Smolov on 22 minutes and Joaozinho, 11 minutes later, the 26-year-old Balotelli slipped as he struck a curling shot home in the 43rd minute before bending over to cough and retch.

It was Balotelli’s fifth goal in four games for Nice after twice bagging braces in Ligue 1 wins over Marseille and Monaco.

The Italian striker, having been in some distress, was replaced at half-time

Nice lost their first Europa League Group I game 1-0 to Schalke 04.