Bologna agree deal to sign free agent Matteo Darmian after trial

Bologna have reached an agreement to sign Matteo Darmian on a free transfer, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The 36-year-old defender is set to join the Italian club on a contract running until the end of the current season, subject to the move being formally completed.

Darmian became a free agent after his contract with Inter expired at the end of last season. He spent a trial period with Bologna before the club made its final decision on whether to offer him a contract.

If the deal is completed, Bologna will become the seventh Italian club of Darmian’s career. He has previously played for Milan, Padova, Palermo, Torino, Parma and Inter, in that order.

The move would bring the experienced defender back into Serie A after his spell with Inter came to an end. Darmian has represented each of the six clubs listed during his career in Italian football.

Bologna are managed by Raffaele Palladino, who took charge after signing a contract with the club until 30 June 2029. He replaced Domenico Tedesco in the role.

The club have collected two points from their opening five matches of the season and are 18th in the table.

Inter and Roma currently lead the Serie A standings, with both clubs on 13 points after five rounds.