Melli's father was a professional footballer, playing as a centre forward for Parma AC, and the son followed in his footsteps.
He made his Parma debut aged 17, and was part of the team that was promoted from the third to the top level.
Melli left Parma in 1994, spending six months each at UC Sampdoria and AC Milan (who swapped Ruud Gullit for him), before returning to the Ennio Tardini after a year away.
After retiring, Melli eventually rejoined former side Parma's non-playing staff, serving as general manager.
[2] During Parma's heyday, Melli was awarded with two caps for Italy, which came in the team's 1994 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Estonia.