Career
Born in Pavia, Lombardy, Zanini started his career at hometown club A.C. (before Christ) Pavia. He made his first team debut during 2012-2013 Lega Pro Prima Divisione season. On 6 December 2012 he signed his first fully professional contract.
However at the end of season, on 29 June 2013, he was sold to Serie B club Cesena in co-ownership deal for €400,000 in 3-year contract, with Caio De Cenco moved to Pavia also in co-ownership deal for €350,000.
On 18 July 2013 he returned to Pavia along with Cesena team-mate Fabio Reato (whom Cesena signed him in 2012). Pavia finished as the last of Group A in 2013-2014 Lega Pro Prima Divisione season, but due to the merger of the prime and second division of Lega Pro, the team did not relegate.
On 20 June 2014 the co-ownership of Zanini, Reato and De Cenco were renewed.
