Former Inter defender Darmian joins Bologna on free transfer

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Bologna have announced the arrival of experienced defender Matteo Darmian following his exit from Serie A champions Inter at the end of last season. 

Darmian has put pen to paper on a contract with Bologna until the end of the 2026-27 campaign, and he could make his debut for his new club against Lecce on Sunday. 

The 36-year-old arrives after five successful years with Inter, where he won nine major honours, which include three Scudettos and three Copa Italia crowns.

During his time with the Nerazzurri, Darmian made 218 appearances across all competitions, scoring 13 goals and providing 13 assists. 

His arrival comes after Emil Holm sustained a serious injury while away on international duty with Sweden, with the Bologna full-back expected to be sidelined for up to six months.

Bologna will be hopeful Darmian’s arrival can have a positive impact on the team, with Raffaele Palladino’s 18th in Serie A and winless after their opening five league matches. 

Benvenuto in rossoblù, Matteo! #WeAreOne https://t.co/4SOY5n2IN8

— Bologna FC 1909 (@Bolognafc1909) October 8, 2026

Darmian joins a Bologna side that have only conceded six goals so far in Serie A, though they have only scored three times at the other end, the joint-lowest tally in the division. 

Bologna have gained five points fewer than at this stage last season in Serie A (two vs seven), with no side having a worse difference in the top flight. 

They have collected two points so far (D2 L3). During the three-points-for-a-win era, they have never had fewer than three points after their first six Serie A games in a season.

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