[1] Born in Ponte Nossa, in the province of Bergamo, Lombardy, Perani came through the Atalanta youth system before joining the senior side.

Although Perani initially struggled to break into the starting line-up with the Bolognese side, due to competition from other players, he later won a starting shirt over several other wingers in the side, such as Bruno Pace, Antonio Renna, and Giovanni Vastola, inheriting Cesarino Cervellati's role on the right flank.

Perani formed a formidable partnership with fellow winger Ezio Pascutti; together, they helped Bologna win the Serie A title during the 1963–64 season, and Perani even set up Harald Nielsen's goal in a decisive 2–0 win over Inter in the Serie A playoff match at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, on 7 June 1964, which allowed Bologna to claim the league title.

In total, he made 322 appearances for Bologna, scoring 70 goals, also winning two Coppa Italia titles with the club.

[3][4] A diminutive, creative, hard-working, and skilful right winger, with an eye for goal, Perani was mainly known for his vision, crossing accuracy, and his ability to cover the flank; he also possessed an accurate long-distance shot.