Former Inter Milan right-back Matteo Darmian has joined Bologna on a free transfer and will wear the number 36 jersey.

Bologna announced on Thursday that Italian right-back Matteo Darmian has joined the club on a free transfer. The two sides signed a one-year contract, valid until June 30, 2027.

The official announcement also confirmed that Darmian will wear the number 36 jersey at Bologna.

The 36-year-old Darmian came through AC Milan's youth academy and made his first-team debut in the Italian Cup on November 28, 2006. He subsequently played for Padova, Palermo, Torino, Manchester United, Parma, and Inter Milan, winning the Europa League, FA Cup, and English League Cup with Manchester United.

In October 2020, Darmian joined Inter Milan on a loan-to-buy deal. He played for Inter for six seasons, making 218 appearances, scoring 13 goals and providing 13 assists, winning three Serie A titles, three Coppa Italia titles, and three Italian Super Cup titles with the team.

Darmian has also made 46 appearances for the Italian national team, including one World Cup (2014) and two European Championships (2016, 2024).

Since leaving Inter Milan in July, Darmian has been unemployed. He was linked with several teams, including Roma, Parma, and Torino, but ultimately decided to play for Bologna under Rafael Palladino.

For Bologna, Darmian's arrival is a timely boon. He will fill the void left by Swedish right-back Emil Holm, who is expected to be out for four to six months after undergoing surgery on his right hamstring.

Prior to the official announcement, Darmian had been training with the team for about a week. According to a previous report by Corriere Della Sera, Palladino might field him in the next match against Lecce.

Other reports indicate that Bologna will assess Darmian's future prospects based on his performance. If Darmian performs well, there is a high probability that contract extension negotiations will begin in May.

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