Matteo Darmian completes free agent move to Bologna
Veteran defender Matteo Darmian has joined Bologna on a free transfer, filling a defensive gap following Emil Holm's long-term injury.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Author: Werner100359
Bologna have officially confirmed the signing of veteran defender Matteo Darmian. The 36-year-old joins the club as a free agent, marking his return to Serie A following his departure from Inter.
Darmian has signed a contract keeping him at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara until the end of the 2026/27 campaign, with an option to extend for an additional year based on performance milestones. The move comes as a direct response to a significant injury blow sustained by right-back Emil Holm during the international break, which is expected to keep the Swede sidelined for four to six months.
With a decorated career including spells at Milan, Palermo, Torino, Parma, and Inter, Darmian brings extensive top-flight experience to Bologna. During his time at Inter, he was a pivotal part of their successful era, securing three Serie A titles, three Coppa Italia trophies, and three Supercoppa Italiana medals.
Bologna currently occupy 18th place in the Serie A standings after a difficult start to the season. The club hopes that Darmian's defensive reliability and tactical intelligence will provide immediate stability. The veteran is available for selection and is expected to be integrated into the squad for Sunday's league fixture against Lecce.