(Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Joao Mario enjoyed an impressive loan spell at Bologna during the second half of last season, but his progress has not continued in the same way since moving to Fiorentina. Juventus sent him to Florence for the current campaign because Luciano Spalletti did not consider him ready to become an important part of his plans.
The full back had hoped to build on the performances he produced at Bologna, but his experience at Fiorentina has proved considerably more difficult. He struggled to secure regular playing time for much of the campaign and only began receiving more opportunities in recent weeks.
Although there are signs that his situation could be improving, doubts remain over whether the move has worked out as Juventus expected. His limited involvement has raised questions about whether he will remain with Fiorentina for the rest of the season.
Mario could return to Juventus
According to Calciomercato, Mario could return to Juventus during the second half of the campaign because his loan spell at Fiorentina has not developed as planned. The recent improvement in his playing time may offer some encouragement, but it has not necessarily changed the overall picture surrounding his future.
A return to Turin would not automatically solve his situation, however, because he is also not considered part of Juventus’ plans at present. The club would therefore have to consider another temporary move if his current arrangement is brought to an early end.
Juventus are keen to find the best possible solution for the player and ensure that he has an opportunity to continue developing. Another loan could give him the chance to find regular football and regain the consistency he showed during his time at Bologna.
(Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Another loan move could be considered
It has been disappointing to see Mario struggle to settle in Italy, particularly considering the reputation he had built while playing for FC Porto. He was regarded as a quality full-back during his time at the Portuguese club, and several other teams could have been possible destinations when he was considering his next move.
He ultimately chose Juventus, hoping that the transfer would provide an opportunity to take the next step in his career. However, his experience since arriving in Turin has been far from straightforward, with neither his time at the club nor his loan spells providing the stability he would have wanted.
The player may now be questioning whether choosing Juventus was the right decision. Another move could offer him a fresh opportunity, but he needs to find a club where he can settle, play regularly and demonstrate the quality that made him an impressive performer at Porto and Bologna.
[
Juventus sets asking price for Fiorentina target](https://talkjuve.com/2026/07/26/juventus-sets-asking-price-for-fiorentina-target/)