Born in Sanremo, Italy, Sturaro began his career with local team, Sanremese before being scouted and signed by Serie A side Genoa in 2008.

After two seasons with the Primavera squad, Sturaro was called up to the first team, and was loaned out to Modena in the Serie B on 23 July 2012.

[4] He finished the season with 16 appearances and scored his maiden professional goal on 2 March 2014 in a home win against Catania.

[20] After failing to make a single appearance for Sporting during the first half of the 2018–19 season, due to an ongoing Achilles injury,[21] on 24 January 2019, Sturaro returned to Genoa on loan for the remainder of the season, for a loan fee of €1.5 million, with a conditional obligation to buy from Juventus.

[23][24][25] The transfer fee was criticised by the media (and fans[26] ), as Sturaro did not even make his debut for Genoa on the announcement date of the definitive deal.

[36] He made his senior debut on 6 June, as he came off the bench in Italy's last friendly match before Euro 2016 against Finland in a 2–0 victory in Verona.

[38][39][40][41] Due to his physical attributes and ability in the air,[41] he is also capable of playing as a defender,[39] both in the centre,[39] or on either flank, and has been used as a right-sided attacking full-back or wing-back in recent seasons;[42][43][44] he has also been fielded as a winger on occasion.

[45][46] Regarded as one of the most promising footballers in the world in his position as a youngster,[47] due to his work-rate, stamina, composure, tenacity, strength of character, and ability to read the game,[41][48] his playing style drew comparisons with compatriot and 2006 World Cup winner Gennaro Gattuso in his youth.