Nice’s 20-year-old striker Mohamed-Ali Cho was the chief tormentor, ripping St Etienne’s left flank to pieces, scoring the third goal and providing assists in three others.

“We were overrun, 6-0 at halftime, it’s just dreadful,” said St Etienne defender Dennis Appiah.

Defender Leo Petrot added: “We are ashamed, there are no words to describe this”.

A Dylan Batubinsika own goal was followed by strikes from Tanguy Ndombele, Cho, two from Youssoufa Moukoko, Evann Guessand, Sofiane Diop and a late penalty from new signing Pablo Rosario as Nice celebrated their 120th anniversary in style.

St Etienne had conceded seven goals in three defeats since coming up into Ligue 1 via the play-offs, but beat Lille 1-0 last weekend.

League leaders Paris St-Germain travel to Reims on Saturday chasing a fifth win from five and are unbeaten in 26 consecutive away games in the league.

Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille, second in the table, two points behind PSG, will aim to extend their almost perfect start to the season when they visit struggling rivals Lyon on Sunday.