Joao Mario struggles at Juventus as Costa shines for Porto

Let’s be honest: so far, this hasn’t been a successful signing. Joao Mario has spent far more time on Juventus’ bench than on the pitch wearing a starting shirt.

The warning signs were already there under Igor Tudor, who clearly wasn’t a great admirer of the Portuguese full-back.

After a handful of starts early on, Joao Mario quickly slipped out of the coach’s plans. And things have gone from bad to worse since Luciano Spalletti took charge.

As of mid-November, Joao Mario has played less than 350 minutes in total, contributing just one assist, in the Champions League, while Spalletti’s choices have been clear.

Andrea Cambiaso continues to occupy both flanks depending on tactical needs, and even when he switches to the left, Joao Mario still doesn’t get the nod on the right.

The decision to offload Alberto Costa to make room for Joao Mario simply hasn’t paid off. In the final stretch of his brief Juventus spell, the Brazilian had started to settle in and find rhythm – something the Portuguese has yet to achieve.

Meanwhile, Costa’s experience at Porto under Francesco Farioli is proving much more rewarding, while Joao Mario rarely features in Spalletti’s rotation and looks further than ever from earning a regular role in Turin.