A former Argentinian international, Mario Santana took out Italian citizenship in February 2008 and has been playing in Italy since 2002. A right-winger renowned above all for the quality of his crosses, he has defied a succession of injuries to become an important player for ACF Fiorentina.

• Born in Patagonia, in the south of Argentina, he helped his first club, CA San Lorenzo de Almagro, win the Clausura title in 2001.

• Joined AC Venezia in January 2002, making Serie A debut against Atalanta BC in March that year, but left in summer for then Serie B club US Città di Palermo.

• Missed Palermo's 2003/04 promotion as he was on loan to Serie A outfit AC Chievo Verona that season; returned to Sicily and made 58 top-flight appearances for Palermo before joining Fiorentina in summer 2006.

• Scored on debut for Argentina in August 2004 – against Japan − and made four appearances at 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup. Was not selected for following year's FIFA World Cup.

• Appeared in all six of Fiorentina's 2008/09 UEFA Champions League games and five in 2009/10, scoring first goal in competition on 20 October 2009 in 4-3 win at Debreceni VSC.

Did you know?
Santana scored on his Fiorentina debut – a Coppa Italia tie against Giarre FC.