Mario Santana

Mario Alberto Santana (born 23 December 1981 in Comodoro Rivadavia, Argentina) is a football (soccer), in the role of attacking midfielder. He is currently a registered player for ACF Fiorentina. He is also a player for the Argentina national football team.

He started his career for Argentinian team San Lorenzo de Almagro. After his contract with San Lorenzo expired, he decided to try his luck in European football, moving to Italy in January 2002 for Serie A team Venezia A.C., then relegated at the end of the season. He then followed his chairman Maurizio Zamparini to Serie B team US Palermo, where he showed high qualities in his role.

In 2003, he was then loaned to Serie A side Chievo Verona, becoming one of the most interesting wingers in the Italian top division, and being first capped for the Argentina national football team in a friendly match against Japan national football team on 18 August 2004. He then came back to Palermo, that was just promoted in Serie A at the time, for the following season.

He also played for Argentina at the Confederations Cup 2005 and has been frequently capped for the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification matches.

Personal life

Santana acquired his Italian nationality by marriage to Italian wife. His nationality was granted in February 2008.