Battistini was born in Massa. Throughout his career, he played for several Italian clubs, such as A.C. Milan, Fiorentina, Inter Milan, Brescia, and Spezia, usually as a sweeper. After growing up in the Milan youth squad, alongside Alberigo Evani, he joined the Milan senior side in 1980, and played for the club during a difficult period in the club's history, only winning two Serie B titles in 1981 and 1983, and a Mitropa Cup in 1982. After leaving the club in 1985, he played with Fiorentina, where he reached the 1990 UEFA Cup Final during his final season with the club. He later won the trophy twice with Inter in 1991 and 1994, where he remained until 1994, before moving to Brescia for two seasons.