Born in Tione di Trento, Trentino, Zaninelli started his career at Settaurense.
In August 2005, Zaninelli returned to Serie B as the club sold him to Cesena in co-ownership deal, for a peppercorn of €500.
In July 2007 Zaninelli left for Serie B struggler Spezia along with Giovanni Fietta and Davide Saverino.
After 5 months without a club, Zaninelli was signed by Pergocrema[4] That season Pergo was in Lega Pro Prima Divisione.
Originally Mantova relegated to 2010–11 Lega Pro Prima Divisione, but after the bankruptcy, the heir was allowed to play in 2010–11 Serie D. Zaninelli was the starting defender of the team, winning Group B.