Fiorentina bolster right‑back with Joao Mario loan from Juventus

Official Joao Mario joins Fiorentina from Juventus on a season‑long loan, costing the Viola €1.8 million and carrying a €9.5 million purchase option payable in three instalments. The 26‑year‑old Portugal international arrives as new coach Fabio Grosso seeks to reinforce the right‑back slot.

Fiorentina are looking to shore up their right‑back position under new coach Fabio Grosso. The loan provides a direct solution to the defensive gap identified by the Viola ahead of the upcoming Serie A campaign.

Joao Mario was bought by Juventus from FC Porto for €12 million last summer, but he struggled to make an impact in Turin. The Portuguese midfielder managed only limited minutes, prompting the club to explore a temporary move.

During his spell at Juventus he made just 13 Serie A appearances and contributed one assist. Those modest numbers underscored the need for regular playing time elsewhere.

In February he joined Bologna on loan as part of an exchange involving Emil Holm, yet neither side retained the players after the spell. While at Bologna he found the net twice in 15 competitive matches, showing glimpses of his attacking potential.

Now Joao Mario hopes to rediscover his form in Serie A with Fiorentina, where Fabio Grosso will look to utilise his abilities. He previously faced Domagoj Bradaric of Hellas Verona at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi in Verona on 20 September 2025.