Nice 4 Monaco 0: Mario Balotelli scores twice as champions are thrashed in first game without Kylian Mbappe

MONACO’s life without Kylian Mbappe began in the worst possible way as they were thrashed by Nice.

Mario Balotelli fired a double while wantaway Monaco ace Thomas Lemar was subbed at half-time in a 4-0 mauling.

Reuters

Reuters

The reigning Ligue 1 champions appear to have lost their winning mentality after loosing a number of big names during the summer transfer window.

The absence of Kylian Mbappe was evident, with Monaco lacking striking prowess following the youngster's switch to Paris Saint-Germain.

To add insult to injury for the visitors, Mbappe netted in sublime style on his debut for the French giants following his mega-money move.

Balotelli opened the scoring from the penalty spot, before Saint-Maximin gifted Plea the opportunity to double Nice's tally.

The Italian striker netted his second after the break, before Ignatius Ganago capped off the scoring with a goal on his Ligue 1 debut.

Balotelli now boasts 17 goals in 21 starts for Nice in Ligue 1.

AFP or licensors

AFP or licensors

Arsenal target Thomas Lemar failed to find his form at the Allianz Riviera and was subbed at half-time as a result.

The Frenchman has reportedly agreed a £250,000-a-week five-year deal with the Gunners that will be reignited in January.

So, it's safe to assume his mind may not have been fully focused on the fixture at hand today.

Reuters

Monaco's defending was woeful throughout, allowing Favre's front line the chance to dominate.

The visitors tallied a handful of chances, but none that posed a threat for Nice shot-stopper Yoan Cardinale.

Getty - Contributor

AFP

The summer transfer window was one the craziest we have ever seen.

Take a look at the most profitable transfers of ALL time.

And here are the Premier League players whose wages made them the most expensive per minute played.