Mario Perlingieri, a promising 19-year-old striker from Benevento, is making headlines this season as he embarks on his professional career in Serie C. Having moved up from the club’s Primavera team, Perlingieri has quickly established himself as a key player, showcasing his talent and earning attention from scouts across the league.
Originating from Torre Annunziata, Perlingieri began his football journey at the Sant’Aniello Gragnano Football School before joining the youth ranks of Paganese. Calciomercato report how In the summer of 2021, he caught the eye of several top clubs, including Napoli and Roma, but ultimately chose to remain close to home by signing with Benevento. Since then, he has been a standout performer, known for his speed and ability to exploit spaces on the field. Many see him as a potential successor to Ciro Immobile, another Torre Annunziata native who has made a name for himself in European football.
Recently, Perlingieri achieved a significant milestone by making his debut for Italy’s Under-20 national team. Coach Bernardo Corradi called him up for matches against Poland and Romania, where he made an immediate impact by providing an assist in a 4-1 victory over Romania. Both Corradi and Leonardo Bonucci have praised Perlingieri’s integration into the team, highlighting his respectful demeanor and commitment to the group. “He was the only one who took off his shoes to stand on the chair while singing the initiation song,” they noted, emphasizing the rare qualities he brings to the squad.
With a left-footed shot and a knack for finding the back of the net, Perlingieri is not just about speed; he also possesses a physicality that allows him to hold his own against defenders. This season, despite his young age, he has already scored five goals—including two doubles—and provided three assists in a fiercely competitive Serie C group. Benevento currently sits at the top of their league table, further showcasing the team’s strong performance this season.
To secure his future, Benevento signed Perlingieri to a four-year contract that runs until June 30, 2028. However, his rising profile has not gone unnoticed; clubs like Monza and Napoli are already showing interest as they look ahead to next season.
