Stefano Bettarini

Stefano Bettarini (Italian pronunciation: [ˈsteːfano bettaˈriːni]; born 6 February 1972) is an Italian retired professional footballer who played as a defender, and a television personality. He played once for the Italy national team. He was a contestant on Grande Fratello VIP, 2016 and currently a host presenter in L'Isola dei Famosi.

Club career

Early career

Born in Forlì comune, Emilia-Romagna, Bettarini spent his childhood at Buonconvento comune, in the Province of Siena, Tuscany. He then spent his youth career at a local side of Staggia Senese, a village in Poggibonsi, in the Province of Siena. He was signed by Internazionale in 1990. After first being loaned to Baracca Lugo, Bettarini joined Serie B side Lucchese and played four successive Serie B seasons, including one at Salerno. In June 1996, he was signed by Serie A side Cagliari but the team were relegated in 1997.

Fiorentina

In July 1997, he was signed by Fiorentina and priced at 3 billion Italian lire. After a limited chance, he was loaned to Bologna on 30 January 1999.

Venezia

On 2 September 1999, he was signed by Serie A side Venezia for 4 billion lire transfer fee. He signed a four-year contract. He followed the team relegated in 2000 and promoted back to Serie A in 2001. But the Venice side relegated again in 2002.

Sampdoria

After Maurizio Zamparini the owner of Venezia, purchased Palermo (and selling Venezia at the same time), Zamparini bought most of the squad to Sicily, except some players such as Bettarini. Bettarini then joined Serie B side Sampdoria on a free transfer, as Venezia had to reduce the salary expenditure. He signed a reported two-year contract.