Leonardo Benedetti (born 6 June 2000) is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for club Virtus Entella.
Benedetti was raised in Spezia youth teams and started playing for their Under-19 squad in the 2017âÂÂ18 season. He was called up to the senior squad during the 2017âÂÂ18 Serie B season, but did not make any appearances.
On 31 July 2018, Benedetti joined Serie A club Sampdoria on a two-year loan. He spent the 2018âÂÂ19 season with their Under-19 squad.
On 19 July 2019, his rights were bought out by Sampdoria who immediately loaned him back to Spezia for the 2019âÂÂ20 season.
He made his professional Serie B debut for Spezia on 21 September 2019 in a game against Perugia. He substituted Matteo Ricci in the 81st minute. That remained his only appearance for Spezia.
On 17 January 2020, Benedetti joined Serie C club Vis Pesaro until the end of the 2019âÂÂ20 season.
On 28 August 2020, the loan has been extended.
On 3 August 2021, Benedetti moved to Imolese on loan.
On 12 July 2022, Benedetti moved to Bari on loan.
On 29 January 2026, Benedetti joined Virtus Entella in Serie B on a permanent transfer.
Benedetti made his first appearance representing his country on 9 August 2017 in an Italy national under-18 football team friendly against Slovenia.