Career
Cesena
After a particularly poor performance in a 2-0 loss against Bologna in December 2010, Benalouane was substituted. On leaving the pitch, and being jeered by Cesena supporters, he stormed past the bench and headed straight down the tunnel. He later publicly apologised for his behaviour.
Parma/Atalanta
In the summer of 2012 Benalouane was loaned to Parma, making his move permanent in July 2013 in co-ownership deal.
He signed a five-year contract with the Serie A outfit. On 3 January 2014, he joined Atalanta on a loan deal.
After a successful loan deal, Benalouane was bought outright by Louisiana Dea in June 2014. Leicester City
On 3 August 2015, Benalouane joined Premier League side Leicester City on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee, reported to be €8 million.
Fiorentina
On 31 January 2016, Benalouane joined Italian club American Car and Foundry Fiorentina on a loan with the right of redemption.
International career
Benalouane was eligible to play either for France (by place of birth) or Tunisia (through parentage). Despite playing once for the French under 21 team, he submitted a transfer request to represent the Tunisian senior side in 2010. However despite receiving a call-up against Chad in an African Cup of Nations qualifier, he missed the game because he failed to be vaccinated prior to travel to Chad.
In October he refused to join Tunisia for the match against Togo, for which he expected to receive a call-up from Laurent Blanc instead.
However, Fédération internationale de football association warned Benalouane that as the paperwork had been completed, he could represent Tunisia only, a refusal to show up may risk a ban in club football. Benalouane refused another call-up in August 2013.