Born in Venaria Reale, the Province of Turin, Piedmont, Artico started his career at Juventus Turin and left for Pro Vercelli in 1993, where he won Serie D champion. He played 3 more Serie C2 seasons for the Piedmontese club before left for Empoli of Serie A in 1997. After played twice at Serie A, in October he left on loan to Serie C1 side Giulianova. In the next season, he played once at 1998–99 Serie A before left for Serie B side Reggina, where he won promotion to Serie A. In 1999–2000 season he signed a 3-year contract with Ternana, also at Serie B. In 2000–01 season he left for Pescara and played 3 Serie B matches before left on loan to league rival Piacenza where he won Serie B runner-up. In 2001–02 season he returned to Pescara for Serie C1 (Group B) season. In next season, he left for SPAL of Serie C1 (Group A).