Daniele Portanova

Portanova started his professional career at third division side Fermana F.C., debuting in 1996 and leaving for then Serie B side Genoa C.F.C.. He started the first four games of the season but managed just two more minutes of football for the rest of the season after that. This prompted him to leave Genoa for third division side A.S. Avellino 1912 on loan for the 1999–2000 season. After a disappointing time at Avellino, where he managed just nine appearances, Genoa sold the young defender to the third-division side Messina.

Messina

Portanova immediately became a vital member of the Messina side, which was promoted from 2000–01 to Serie B. He made 18 appearances in 2001–02, missing 15 rounds in the middle of the season due to an injury. The 2002–03 season was the best of Portanova's career to date, with the defender managing 34 appearances and even scoring four goals for the side.

Napoli

His strong form the season before prompted southern heavyweights S.S.C. Napoli to make a move for the player. He made 31 appearances in his first and only season for the club as the side finished 14th in Serie B.

A.C. Siena

Daniele's continued good form in the second division of Italy finally led to a move to Serie A, where he was picked up by AC Siena. He made 26 appearances and even managed four goals in the 2004–05 season, as the side finished 14th, comfortably clear of relegation. The next season, Daniele continued as a mainstay at Siena, making 32…

On 2 March 2025, Portanova was appointed as a first-team technical collaborator at Cosenza.

His son Manolo Portanova is also a professional footballer.