 He began his career at the academy of Ituano Futebol Clube in 1998 and signed a professional deal at the club in 2000 after impressing the coaching staff there.His first and only season at the club was very successful, as he impressed many with his ability to make forward runs and finished the season with three league goals in twenty-four appearances.This good form attracted the interest of other clubs, including Associação Desportiva São Caetano, who signed him in 2001.