João Mário
FIO
LB
Overlapping Full Back
Jan 3, 2000 (26)
Right
5'10"
146 lb
FiorentinaPaces his team in crosses against Roma
Mario recorded three crosses (one accurate), three clearances and one tackle (zero won) and created one scoring chance in Monday's 4-0 defeat versus Roma.
Analysis: Mario beat Victor Valdepenas and Alex Jimenez to get the start at left back, and while he had some issues in the back like the rest of the defense, he salvaged his day with his activity on the other end and by leading his side in crosses. His minutes also hinge on whether Dodo will depart as rumored in the last few days of the window.
Heads to Fiorentina
Mario has transferred to Fiorentina on loan with an option to buy from Juventus.
Analysis: Mario departs with a temporary formula again after playing decently at Bologna in the second half of last season, while he was an afterthought at Juventus. He contributed to four clean sheets and tallied 32 crosses (10 accurate), 23 tackles and 25 clearances in 27 total appearances (17 starts) in 2026/2027. His minutes will hinge on whether Dodo will stay at the club and on where Alex Jimenez will be fielded.
Not staying at Bologna
Mario wasn't signed permanently by Bologna after a six-month loan spell.
Analysis: Mario will return to Juventus after recording 15 crosses (four accurate), 10 tackles and 10 interceptions in 15 appearances (all starts), from January on, contributing to two clean sheets, as Bologna didn't keep him following a coaching change. He had played very little at Juventus in the first half of the previous campaign, so he might be on the move again later in the summer, although he fared decently while he was out on loan.
Passable showing against Napoli
Mario (thigh) recorded three tackles (one won), two clearances and two interceptions and drew one foul in Monday's 3-2 victory over Napoli.
Analysis: Mario played about an hour in his return from injury and only contributed in the back. He has been consistently deployed over Nadir Zortea and Lorenzo De Silvestri at the position. He has posted seven crosses (one accurate), four interceptions and five clearances in his last five outings (all starts), with no clean sheets because he often subs off early.
Starting Monday
Mario (thigh) is in the starting XI for Monday's match against Napoli.
Analysis: Mario was already deemed fit for Monday and has done one better, as the defender is also in the starting XI. He has been seeing most of the starts between left-back and right-back this campaign and should remain in this role, starting in all nine appearances since joining the club.
Ready for Napoli tilt
Mario (thigh) returned to full training Wednesday, Bologna announced.
Analysis: Mario will have a few more days to work on his fitness and could potentially start right away, as he's not been out for long. Lorenzo De Silvestri filled in for him last week. He has recorded seven crosses (one accurate), four interceptions and six clearances in his last five displays, with no clean sheets.
Nursing thigh lesion
Mario has been diagnosed with a left biceps femoris strain and will train on the side for a few days, Bologna stated.
Analysis: Mario could miss a couple of fixtures because of his muscular problem, but it's not too severe, and he should be able to return before the end of the campaign. Nadir Zortea and Lorenzo De Silvestri will handle the right-back role while he's out.
Forced off in Roma clash
Mario registered two crosses (zero accurate) and two tackles in 66 minutes before leaving Saturday's contest against Roma because of a possible thigh injury, Gianluca Di Marzio reported.
Analysis: Mario pulled up after a sprint early in the second half and couldn't continue. He'll undergo exams before next Sunday's home game versus Cagliari. He was replaced by Lorenzo Di Silvestri in this one, as Nadir Zortea had already come off the bench to substitute for Juan Miranda on the other flank.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare