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Francesco BenussiItalian footballer, goalkeeper
Date of Birth: 15.10.1981
Country:  Italy |
Content:
- Francesco Benussi: A Journey Between the Posts
- Return to Venezia and Arising Talent
- Breakthrough at Lecce
- Brief Stints at Livorno and Palermo
- Loan to Torino and Return to Palermo
Francesco Benussi: A Journey Between the Posts
Early Career and VeneziaFrancesco Benussi, an Italian goalkeeper, began his professional career with Venezia in 2000. He made his senior debut in a 2-2 draw against Piacenza, but the team was relegated to Serie B. Following the relegation, Benussi was loaned to Serie C1 club Luzzane and then Ascoli, where he made a significant contribution to their Serie C1 victory.
Return to Venezia and Arising Talent
Upon returning to Venezia, Benussi became a regular starter and played in 34 of the team's 42 matches in his second season. After Venezia's bankruptcy in 2005, he moved to Lecce as a free agent. In his first season with Lecce, he replaced Vincenzo Sicignano, who was injured. The following season, Benussi became the starting goalkeeper, but during the winter transfer window, he was traded to Siena in exchange for Nicola Pavarini, where he remained as a backup goalie.
Breakthrough at Lecce
Benussi returned to Lecce as a backup for Antonio Rosati. However, when Rosati sustained an injury, Benussi seized the opportunity and performed so exceptionally that Rosati found it difficult to regain his starting position upon his recovery. In August, Benussi signed a contract extension with Lecce until 2012.
Brief Stints at Livorno and Palermo
Benussi was loaned to Livorno in 2009, where he made five appearances. In 2010, he was traded to Palermo, but he failed to make his debut for the club. Instead, Salvatore Sirigu emerged as the starting goalkeeper. Benussi eventually signed a three-year contract with Palermo and made his debut in the Europa League against Lausanne. He also made history by saving a penalty from Wagner Love in a match against CSKA Moscow, although Palermo lost 0-3.
Loan to Torino and Return to Palermo
In 2012, Benussi was loaned to Serie B club Torino, where he made 18 appearances. After his loan expired, he returned to Palermo and remained with the club until its eventual relegation to Serie B in 2017. He subsequently moved to Vicenza, where he continues to play as of 2023.
