Ivan De Santis


Ivan Francesco De Santis is an Italian professional football defender who plays for Cesena in Serie C on loan from Virtus Entella. A centre-back, he made his professional debut on 2 November 2016, for Catania.

Career

Early career

De Santis was born in the Apulian town of Conversano, but began his career in Lombardy in the youth teams of Serie A giants Milan. His progression through the youth teams was rapid, and he became a starter for the Primavera side aged just 16. Despite playing against opponents often two years older than himself, De Santis impressed coaches whilst playing in the Campionato Nazionale Primavera and UEFA Youth League, and made over 60 appearances for the Primavera side in total.

Loan moves

De Santis was sent on loan to Lega Pro side Catania at the beginning of the 2016–17 season. Here, however, De Santis received little game time and made just three appearances. Due to this lack of playing time, Milan recalled De Santis early, in January 2017, in order to loan him out again. He signed a six-month loan contract with Paganese, also of Lega Pro, on 27 January 2017.

Ascoli

On 8 January 2019, he joined Virtus Entella on loan with an option to purchase.

Virtus Entella

He moved to Virtus permanently on 23 August 2019.

Loan to Cesena

On 20 January 2020, he joined Serie C club Cesena on loan until the end of the season.

National team

De Santis has played for every age category for Italy from under-15 to under-19, and also received a call-up to the under-20 side in September 2016 for the Under-20 Four Nations Tournament, after Fabio Della Giovanna was forced to withdraw due to injury.

Career statistics

Club

Updated 1 January 2018