Nice held to 1-1 home draw by Nantes in French league. PARIS (AP) — Mario Balotelli was kept largely quiet as his inconsistent Nice side drew 1-1 at home to fifth-place Nantes in the French league on Sunday. Balotelli is Nice's top scorer with 13 league goals, but the Italian striker was not at his sharpest against a team shrewdly coached by countryman Claudio Ranieri. A rare goal from veteran Brazilian center half Dante gave Nice an early lead. Emiliano Sala replied for Nantes in the 27th minute, but the tall striker then headed wide from a corner in the fourth minute of injury time. Nantes remains one point ahead of sixth-place Montpellier, while Nice — an impressive third last season — is in ninth spot. Nice has done well in spells, but has lost 11 games out of 26 and relies too heavily on Balotelli in attack.