Marco Benassi

Marco Benassi

Benassi with Torino in 2015
Personal information
Full name	Marco Benassi
Date of birth	(1994-09-08) 8 September 1994 (age 22)
Place of birth	Modena, Italy
Height	1.84 m (6 ft 0 in)
Playing position	Midfielder
Club information
Current team	Torino
Number	15
Youth career
2007–2011	Modena
2011–2012	Internazionale
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2012–2014	Internazionale	6	(0)
2013–2014	→ Livorno (loan)	20	(2)
2014–	Torino	77	(11)
National team‡
2011–2012	Italy U18	8	(1)
2012–2013	Italy U19	13	(1)
2013–	Italy U21	22	(5)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 26 November 2016. ‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 14 November 2016

Marco Benassi (born 8 September 1994) is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Torino and the Italy national under-21 team, the latter of which he is captain.

Born in Modena, Emilia region, he began his career at Modena. In January 2011 Benassi was signed by Internazionale in temporary deal. After a half-season with Inter U17 youth team, Benassi was signed for Inter in co-ownership deal for €180,000. Benassi was a member of both Inter U18 and U19 team in 2011–12 season, winning the Primavera league and European title – NextGen Series. He also played for U18 team in the league playoffs round, winning the Berretti league.

Benassi was included in summer training camp by his former U19 team coach Andrea Stramaccioni, winning pre-season TIM Trophy. Benassi was also included in the 25-men List A squad for 2012–13 UEFA Europa League, as one of the 4 essential association trained player (local player) as required by UEFA. In October 2012 he signed a new 5-year contract.

Benassi made his debut on 22 November 2012 against Russian side FC Rubin Kazan as starting XI. Fielding a younger squad, Inter lost 3–0. On 12 January 2013 he made his Serie A debut for Inter, starting in a 2–0 victory over Pescara. On 21 February 2013, he scored his first senior goal against CFR Cluj.