Flavio Paoletti

Born in San Benedetto del Tronto and raised in Colli del Tronto,^[2][3] Paoletti started playing football at local club Atletico Azzurra Colli,^[2][3] before joining Sampdoria's youth sector in the summer of 2017.^[2][4] He then progressed through the club's youth ranks, as he eventually became the captain of their under-19 squad,^[2][3][5] and then signed his first professional contract in September 2022.^[6]

During the 2022–23 season, Paoletti started training with Sampdoria's first team under head coach Dejan Stanković:^[5] then, on 8 January 2023, he made his professional debut with the club, coming on as a substitute for Ronaldo Vieira in the 83rd minute of a 2–0 Serie A loss to Napoli.^[3][7][8] Four days later, on 12 January, the midfielder made his first start in a professional game, together with team-mate Daniele Montevago, in a 1–0 Coppa Italia loss to Fiorentina.^[9]

On 29 August 2023, Paoletti joined Turkish side Fatih Karagümrük on a permanent deal, signing a three-year contract with the club.^[10][11]

On 26 January 2025, Paoletti signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with Mantova in Serie B.^[12]

Paoletti has represented Italy at youth international level, having played for the under-17 national team.^[13][14]

In March 2023, he received a call-up to the Italian under-20 national team.^[15]

Paoletti has been described as a versatile midfielder,^[3][5] who can play either in a more defensive role or as a mezzala,^[4] while also being able to cover in the center-back position.^[3]

He cited Dennis Praet as a source of inspiration.^[4]

Paoletti is a self-declared supporter of Sambenedettese, the main club based in his birthplace.^[3][4]

As of match played 23 December 2023^[16]