Bologna sign Matteo Darmian on free deal after Emil Holm injury

Bologna have moved quickly to reinforce their defence, completing the free-transfer signing of Darmian after Emil Holm’s long-term injury. The 36-year-old full-back has agreed a deal through the end of the 2026-27 season, with an option for Bologna to add another year if he reaches specified targets in his opening campaign.

What changed for Bologna

Darmian joins the Rossoblu after more than three months without a club following his departure from Inter. He becomes an immediate experienced option at right-back and across the defensive line after Holm suffered an injury while representing Sweden during the September-October international break.

Holm has undergone an operation and is expected to be unavailable for between four and six months, leaving Bologna to seek cover in the market. Darmian had also drawn attention from several newly promoted teams and had been offered a backroom position at Inter, but has instead chosen to continue playing in Serie A.

• Darmian has signed until 2027, with a potential one-season extension.
• He made 218 appearances in all competitions for Inter.
• His previous Serie A record also includes spells with Milan, Palermo, Torino and Parma.

The defender played six times for Milan, 16 times for Palermo, 151 times for Torino and 37 times for Parma. His arrival gives Bologna a player with extensive experience of Italian football at a point when the squad has been depleted on the right side of defence.

Competition context

Darmian’s Inter career brought three Serie A championships, three Coppa Italia wins and three Supercoppa Italiana titles. He also appeared in the Champions League finals of 2023 and 2025, with Inter beaten on both occasions.

Bologna need that experience after a difficult opening sequence in the league. They are 18th in Serie A with two points from five matches, having drawn twice and lost three times.

The club will hope Darmian’s familiarity with the division and his record of operating in high-pressure fixtures can help stabilise a side seeking its first league victory of the campaign.

What is scheduled next

Darmian is available to be included in Bologna’s matchday group for Sunday afternoon’s Serie A trip to Lecce. With Holm facing a lengthy absence, the new signing could be brought into the squad immediately as Bologna prepare for an important away fixture.