Bologna Set to Sign Free Agent Darmian After Inter Exit

Bologna Move for Darmian After Holm Injury

Bologna are closing in on the signing of free agent defender Matteo Darmian, with reports in Italy claiming the Rossoblu will formally announce the deal by the end of the week. The 36-year-old has been without a club since leaving Inter at the end of his contract on June 30 and has spent the last week training with the Serie A side.

According to Wednesday's reports, Darmian is set to sign a one-year contract with an option to extend, subject to Bologna's staff completing their assessment of his fitness and match sharpness. The move comes after a serious injury to Rossoblu right-back Emil Holm, who was hurt while away on international duty with Sweden. Holm has undergone surgery and is expected to miss around four to six months of action, leaving Bologna short at full-back and prompting their pursuit of the experienced Italian.

A Decorated Career at San Siro

Darmian arrives with a significant pedigree. During his time at Inter, he won nine trophies — three apiece in Serie A, the Coppa Italia and the Supercoppa Italiana. He also reached the Champions League final in both 2023 and 2025, underlining his reliability at the highest level of European football.

The former Torino defender had several offers over the course of the summer, and there were also suggestions that a backroom role with Inter was on offer. Ultimately, the 36-year-old decided to take his time to weigh up his next steps before beginning training with Bologna at the beginning of October.

Why Bologna Made Their Move

Bologna's need for defensive cover became urgent following Holm's injury, and Darmian represents a low-risk solution. His versatility across the back line and his experience in Serie A and European competition make him an attractive option for a club looking to maintain its competitiveness in Italy's top flight. The one-year deal with an option to extend also gives Bologna flexibility, while allowing Darmian to prove his fitness after several months without competitive football.

For Darmian, the move offers a chance to continue playing at the top level in Italy, where he has spent the majority of his career. Having won major honours with Inter and featured in two Champions League finals, he brings a winning mentality that could prove valuable in a Bologna squad navigating the demands of a long season.

The formal announcement is expected by the end of the week, with Bologna staff having used the past week to assess whether Darmian is ready to contribute immediately. If the deal is completed as expected, it will mark one of the more notable free-agent signings of the autumn in Serie A.

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