Sala was born in Bellusco, Lombardy. During his club career he played for Serie A clubs, Torino (1975–81), Sampdoria (1981–82), Fiorentina (1982–84), Pisa (1983–84), Cesena (1984–88), and Parma (1987–89), starting and ending his career with lower division clubs Monza (1973–75), and Solbiatese (1989–90). He won the Serie A title with Torino in 1976.