Raffaele

Career Story

A dream can have many forms and names: some seem impossible, others become possible thanks to a generous dose of sacrifice and perseverance. Raffaele Di Gennaro’s dream is called Inter, one that has always followed him around.

Born in Saronno on 3 October 1993, Di Gennaro took up football at the age of five with Prealpi, a small team run by the local parish in his hometown. His father and brother played in attack, but Raffaele always wanted to play in goal, with his dream one day to wear the Inter shirt.

It was a dream that came true for the first time in 2002, when at nine years of age he was spotted at a youth tournament. From that moment on, Di Gennaro spent eleven successful and satisfying years in the Nerazzurri youth sector. 2012 was an unforgettable year for Raffaele, winning the Primavera title and the historic triumph in the NextGen Series. Beating Ajax in the final on penalties, Di Gennaro made a crucial save to keep out Veltman’s penalty.

His progress was hindered due to several injuries, keeping him away from the pitch for some time. In 2013, though, he made his professional senior debut with Cittadella, coincidentally coming up against Inter at San Siro in the third round of the Coppa Italia.

Following his time at Cittadella, Di Gennaro then went on to appear for Latina, Ternana and Spezia, before returning to Inter in 2018; it was a year of growth and maturity, where he observed and studied. Spells at Catanzaro and Pescara preceded a transfer to Gubbio in the summer of 2022.

Di Gennaro was one of the Umbrians outstanding players last season, helping them to play for promotion to Serie B through the Serie C playoffs. Out of 34 league appearances, he collected 20 clean sheets and was named the best goalkeeper in Serie C’s Group B.

Now, the dream turns into reality: a return to Inter means a return home for Di Gennaro.