 A former midfielder, Ballardini spent seven years as a player with Cesena, under youth team coach Arrigo Sacchi and first team coach Osvaldo Bagnoli, which are often cited by him as his personal mentors.Ballardini started his coaching career serving as youth team coach for Bologna, and successively Cesena and A.C. Milan.He then worked as Parma under-19 youth team coach from 2002 to 2004.