Matteo Darmian Set to Sign for Bologna on a 1-Year Deal

Bologna have reached an agreement to sign Matteo Darmian as a free agent, with the experienced Italian fullback joining on a one-year deal after leaving Inter Milan on a free transfer in June. The move brings Serie A experience back into the Rossoblu squad as cover following a long-term injury to right-back Emil Holm.

The Deal

Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the agreement with his trademark “here we go,” reporting that Darmian has agreed to join Bologna on a one-year contract following his free departure from Inter. The move comes after Bologna identified a need for experienced defensive cover following Emil Holm’s injury setback, which is expected to keep the Swedish right-back sidelined for three to four months after surgery. Darmian had reportedly spent recent days in discussions with the club, training with Raffaele Palladino’s squad on a trial basis before the move was finalized.

COMO, ITALY – MAY 16: Matteo Darmian of FC Internazionale in action during the FC Internazionale training session at BPER Training Centre at Appiano Gentile on May 16, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Pistoia – Inter/Inter via Getty Images)

Transfer Snapshot

Detail	Information
Player	Matteo Darmian
Age	36
Position	Fullback/wing-back
New Club	Bologna
Previous Club	Inter Milan (contract expired June 30, 2026)
Contract	One year
Transfer Fee	Free
Trigger	Emil Holm’s long-term injury (out 3-4 months after surgery)
Bologna Head Coach	Raffaele Palladino
Career Clubs	AC Milan, Padova (loan), Palermo, Torino, Manchester United, Parma, Inter Milan

A Decorated Career Returns to Serie A

Darmian’s move represents a return to Serie A after six years at Inter Milan, a spell that included two Champions League final appearances and a Serie A title during the 2020-21 season — his first league championship. Before Inter, he built a well-travelled career across Italian football with AC Milan, Palermo, and Torino, interspersed with a loan at Padova, as well as a four-year stint in the Premier League with Manchester United between 2015 and 2019, where he made 60 appearances and was voted the club’s Player of the Month in August 2015. He also had a spell at Parma before his move to Inter. With Bologna, he adds a seventh Italian club to his résumé.

BOLOGNA, ITALY – MAY 23: Matteo Darmian of FC Internazionale arrives ahead of the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and FC Internazionale at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on May 23, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Pistoia – Inter/Inter via Getty Images)

Why Bologna Moved for Him

Darmian had been a free agent since his Inter contract expired at the end of June, drawing reported interest from Sassuolo, Udinese, Monza, and Venezia over the summer, along with an offer to join Inter’s coaching or youth staff. Bologna moved decisively once Holm’s injury created an immediate need for experienced cover at fullback, with reports indicating the club had specifically targeted Darmian’s versatility and Serie A pedigree as the right fit to provide depth while also helping integrate other squad options like Amondarain.

What’s Next

With the move expected to be formally completed shortly, Darmian is set to begin training fully with Bologna as the club assesses his fitness following his lack of competitive action since his final Inter appearance in May, in a match against Verona. Intriguingly, his first game back in Serie A could come against his former club, with Bologna set to face Inter on October 17.

Why It Matters

For a 36-year-old defender who spent the summer without a club, the move gives Darmian a fresh opportunity to continue playing at the top level of Italian football, while Bologna gain an experienced, versatile option to shore up their defensive options during Holm’s extended absence.