Ivan Francesco De Santis (born 21 May 1997) is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a defender. 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.
Loan to Modena On 14 January 2021, he was loaned to Serie C club Modena.
Loan to Monopoli On 31 August 2021 he moved to Monopoli on loan with an obligation to buy.
Loan to Paganese On 28 January 2022, he joined Paganese on a sub-loan from Monopoli.
Taranto On 20 July 2023, De Santis signed a two-year contract with Taranto. On 26 January 2024, he was loaned by Fermana.
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 ClubLeagueSeasonLeagueCupEuropeOtherTotalAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsCataniaLega Pro2016–172010––30Paganese2016–1715100–10161AscoliSerie B2017–1810010–00110Total27120–10301
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