Nikola Moro (Italian pronunciation: [nǐkola môːro]; born 12 March 1998) is a Croatian professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Serie A club Bologna and the Croatia national team.

Career Path

• Date of Birth: Nikola Moro was born on 12 March 1998 in Zagreb, Croatia.

• Youth Career: Moro developed through the ranks at Dinamo Zagreb, one of Croatia’s top football academies.

• Senior Career:

  • Dinamo Zagreb (2015–2020): He made his senior debut with Dinamo Zagreb, playing in both the Croatian league and European competitions like the UEFA Europa League.

  • Loan to FC Dynamo Moscow (2019–2020): In 2019, he spent a season on loan at Russian club FC Dynamo Moscow to gain more playing time.

  • Move to Bologna (2020–present): In 2020, he made the permanent move to Serie A side Bologna where he has continued his development as a defensive midfielder.

• International Career:

  • Moro has represented Croatia at various youth levels and made his senior debut for the Croatia national team in 2021, contributing with his robust defensive skills and leadership.

Playing Style

• Position: Moro plays primarily as a defensive midfielder but is capable of stepping into deeper roles or filling in for a box-to-box midfielder when required.

• Strengths:

  • Defensive Skills: Known for his ability to break up opposition attacks with intelligent interceptions, tackles, and positioning. Moro’s tactical awareness makes him an essential defensive presence in midfield.

  • Passing: He has good passing range, capable of distributing the ball quickly and efficiently, making him key in transitioning from defense to attack.

  • Stamina & Work Rate: With a strong work ethic, Moro is active across the pitch, tracking back to defend or moving forward to support the attack. His ability to cover ground makes him effective at both ends of the field.

  • Leadership: Despite his young age, Moro is often praised for his leadership qualities, both at club level and internationally.

Achievements & Recognition

• Domestic Success:

  • At Dinamo Zagreb, he won Croatian league titles and Croatian Cups, playing a significant role in the club’s domestic dominance.

  • At Bologna, he continues to build a reputation in Italy’s Serie A as one of the most promising Croatian midfielders. His contributions have been vital to the team’s midfield stability.

• International Career:

  • Croatia National Team: After making his senior debut in 2021, he has become a reliable option for Croatia’s midfield, especially in defensive roles.

  • Moro has been involved in UEFA Nations League matches and World Cup qualifiers, playing a key role as part of Croatia’s talented midfield options.