Joao Mario Facing Tough Juventus Spell While Costa Impresses at Porto

Joao Mario’s move to Juventus has not worked out as hoped, with the full back playing under 350 minutes by mid-November and providing only one Champions League assist. Spalletti prefers Andrea Cambiaso on both flanks, leaving Mario out of the rotation. Meanwhile, Alberto Costa, whom Juventus let go, is thriving at Porto under Francesco Farioli.

As the situation unfolds at Juventus this season, Joao Mario’s signing is increasingly looking like a miscalculation. The Portuguese full-back has struggled to settle in Turin, spending far more time on the bench than on the pitch. Early doubts surfaced under former coach Igor Tudor, who never seemed fully convinced by him, and things have deteriorated further since Luciano Spalletti took charge. 

By mid-November, Joao Mario had accumulated less than 350 minutes in all competitions and has contributed only one assist, which came in the Champions League. Despite Juventus’ frequent need to rotate wide defenders, Andrea Cambiaso continues to be Spalletti’s preferred option on both flanks. Even when Cambiaso shifts to the left, Joao Mario still fails to earn a starting role on the right, highlighting how far he is from breaking into the regular lineup. 

The club’s decision to move on from Alberto Costa to make space for Joao Mario is now being questioned. Costa had begun to adapt during the final phase of his Juventus spell, showing rhythm and confidence. Since joining Porto under Francesco Farioli, he has flourished, further amplifying the contrast with Joao Mario’s stalled progress. At this stage, the Portuguese defender appears unlikely to secure a meaningful place in Juventus’ plans.