The Balotelli Zone

Transformed after the arrival of the Italian international, OM has extended its unbeaten streak with a win over Nice in an electric environment. Midseason addition, Mario Balotelli  scored again on Sunday to continue his run of excellent form.

Boost

Arriving just two days before the Lille home match (2-1 defeat, 25 January), the new number 9 has started scored since its first steps in the Orange Vélodrome. He's been the catalyst for the turnaround with his new teammates - even though that game was another loss in a two-month stretch without a win. The winds had begun changing.

Since then, Balotelli has continued to work toward form while always displaying a bright smile and high energy. With five goals in seven appearances - including four in four home games - he has already impacted the club's season. In a month and a half with OM, the striker is back in the game benefits and statistics that will perhaps lead Italy coach Roberto Mancini, who was present at the Orange Vélodrome against Nice, to recall him to the national team for the first two Euro 2020 qualifying matches against Finland on 23 March and Liechtenstein on 26 March.

Locked in on the top-3

Whether it's Boubacar Kamara - who evokes a "unique character, a flair"- or Valere Germain - who's taking advantage of his own restoration movement - or the ever-dangerout Florian Thauvin - who covers works in tandem with Mario - the team has wholly embraced the newest member.

Although he was very close to signing early in the season, it was finally completed in January, on a six-month deal. Rudi Garcia has not hesitated to praise the qualities of his fresh goal-scorer in his weekly press conferences.

The group is riding its wave of success and is full of confidence. With 16 points taken from 18 possible, OM has reignited its chase for the top-3 ahead of Matchday 29.