Born in Forlì to parents from Palazzo San Gervasio, Basilicata, Southern Italy,[1] Saponara started his professional career at Ravenna.

[3] Originally played as a winger, Empoli manager Maurizio Sarri switched him into a central position behind the strikers in the 2012–13 Serie B season to devastating effect[according to whom?]

[7][8] He played just 218 minutes of Serie A football spread across seven league games, failing to contribute any goals or assists in the 2013–14 season.

He made comeback in the league ten days later in Empoli's 1–2 defeat to Udinese, opening the scoring with a penalty kick; his first goal in Serie A and his second during his experience in Tuscany.

[12] After Saponara scored a game tying goal against Lazio on 18 December 2018, he gained notoriety when he was celebrating with his teams' fans, his shorts fell down and the supporters also pulled down his briefs, which exposed his rear.

[17] Saponara was chosen by former manager Ciro Ferrara to take part in the Toulon Tournament in May 2011, where he appeared in all of Italy's matches, helping the team to win a Bronze medal.

His style of play and precocious performances as a youngster during his time in Serie B drew occasional comparisons to his idol Kaká.