Making his professional debut in 1949, Brighenti played for Modena, Internazionale, Triestina, Padova, Sampdoria and Torino, winning two consecutive Serie A titles with Inter in 1953 and 1954. Brighenti scored a total of 155 goals in 363 career league games. He was also top-scorer in Serie A once throughout his career, during the 1960–61 season, scoring 27 goals.