Sala made his debut for Monza, later moving to Napoli, Torino and Genoa.

[1] Sala also earned 18 caps for the Italy national team, including playing in the 1978 FIFA World Cup, where Italy finished in fourth place after reaching the semi-final.

[2] Nicknamed "il poeta del gol" ("the goal poet," in Italian), Sala was usually deployed as a winger, but could also play as an attacking midfielder, or even as a main or supporting striker on occasion.

Regarded as one of Italy's greatest wingers, he was a quick, powerful, and highly creative player, and an excellent assist provider.

As a two-footed player, he was capable of attacking on either wing, and was known for his ability to get past his opponents and deliver balls into the penalty area from the touchline.