He played for various Italian clubs, most notably Atalanta, where he spent nine seasons and captained the team to its Coppa Italia victory in 1963.

Gardoni was born in Borgo Palazzo, Bergamo, in 1934, and grew up playing in the youth sector of his hometown club Atalanta.

[9] Following a cancer diagnosis,[3] Gardoni disappeared on 12 December 1994[9] and committed suicide three days later; his body was found in the Oglio river.

[3][5] Gardoni is remembered for his grit and aerial strength as a defender and for his honest and humble demeanor as a person, as well as for his dedication to Atalanta.

[8] As the captain of the team that won the Coppa Italia in 1963, Gardoni is considered an icon by Atalanta ultras and is commemorated in their choreographic displays.