Cristian Silvestri

The players impressive form led to interest amongst several larger Italian clubs, including Serie A side, U.S. Lecce, who eventually signed the defender in the summer of 2001.

In his first Serie A season, the player managed to make 15 appearances in the league, while also taking part in a select Coppa Italia, and friendly matches.

The 2007–08 season proved to be very similar, as the player contributed with 26 appearances, helping the team to avoid relegation yet again with a 17th-place finish in the league.

During the 2008–09 Serie A campaign, Silvestri was often used as a left full back, as the right side was covered by Gennaro Sardo and later Alessandro Potenza.

In July 2009, Silvestri signed a contract with Serie B side, Ascoli Calcio, following the expiration of his Catania deal.

Silvestri joined former Catania teammates, Marcello Gazzola, Mirco Antenucci, and Vito Falconieri at Ascoli.