Daniele Dessena (born 10 May 1987)[2] is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Serie D club Olbia.

Dessena began his football career in the youth ranks of Parma and made his official debut in the first team on 27 February 2005 against Lazio.

On 25 June 2010, he was re-signed by Sampdoria after being brought back to the club by his former Parma Manager Domenico Di Carlo.

In the 2013–14 season he was deployed more frequently in a holding midfield position under new manager Luis Diego López.

In February 2014, Dessena wore special rainbow laces against Inter Milan in support of Paddy Powers #Allacciamoli campaign to combat homophobia in football.

In May 2008 he won the Toulon Tournament with the Italy National Olympic team, assisting teammate Dani Osvaldo for the only goal of the victorious final against Chile.

In May 2009, he was called up to the European Championships but only made substitute appearances as second choice behind Luca Cigarini and Claudio Marchisio.