Born in Casalecchio di Reno, Emilia Romagna, Ballotta emerged through Bologna's youth system before starting out as a senior with hometown club Boca San Lazzaro.

Despite a fourth-place finish, they were promoted in place of Genoa after the latter were demoted to Serie C1 following a match-fixing scandal, and he was once again back in the top level after rejoining Lazio as a replacement for Fabrizio Casazza as third goalkeeper.

[8][9] Due to Peruzzi's ongoing injury problems the following season, Ballotta made eleven league appearances as Lazio finished third behind Inter and Roma.

[11][12] Ballotta retired after his contract with Lazio expired at the end of the season, expressing an interest in continuing his career, before eventually signing a deal as general manager[citation needed] at former club Modena.

[13] In late 2008, Ballotta returned with Prima Categoria (eighth level) side Calcara Samoggia, but in another position: forward.