Career
He is also capable of playing on the wing, or as a central midfielder. A strong, fast and hardworking player, with good technical ability, his style of play has drawn occasional comparisons to his idol Kaká. Ravenna
Saponara started his professional career at Ravenna.
In January 2009 Saponara was signed by Empoli F.C. in co-ownership deal for €700,000.
In June 2010 Saponara was signed by Empoli outright for another €550,000. Empoli and Milan
Originally played as a winger, Empoli manager Maurizio Sarri switched him into a central position behind the strikers in the 2012-2013 Serie B season to devastating effect as he grabbed 13 goals and 15 assists in 40 appearances for the club
He led Empoli to the Serie B promotion play-off Finals where they lost to Livorno. In January 2013, Milan signed the 21-year-old Saponara from Empoli on the condition that he remained at Empoli until the end of the season.
Milan paid €3.75 million for his co-ownership in 4½year contract, which Parma signed Empoli"s half for €2.6 million in summer 2013.
He played just 218 minutes of Serie A football spread across seven Serie A matches, failing to contribute any goals or assists in the 2013-2014 season. In June 2014 Milan acquired Parma"s half for just €1 million. Return to Empoli
On 16 January 2015 he returned to Empoli with the formula of the loan with the right of redemption.
He made his debut four days later in Roma - Empoli 2–1 in Coppa Italia.
He debuted in the league ten days later in Empoli–Udinese 1–2 opening the scoring on a penalty kick. His first goal in Serie A and his second during his experience in Tuscany.
On 22 March he scored his first brace, in the match at home to United States. Sassuolo Calcio 3–1. On 13 May 2015 his contract was redeemed by Empoli for a reported €4 million.
Italy under-21
Saponara made 3 appearances throughout the tournament, helping Italy to reach the final, where they were defeated 4–2 by Spain.
Overall between 2011-2013, he has collected 22 appearances, scoring 3 goals for the "azzurrini".