Quick Facts
Biography
Ivan De Santis (born 21 May 1997) is an Italian professional football defender who plays for Paganese, on loan from Milan. 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.
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.