Bologna sign Matteo Darmian on free transfer after trial

Bologna have completed the signing of Italy international Matteo Darmian on a free transfer after the 36-year-old impressed during a trial period with the club.

The club confirmed the move on X, posting: “It is now official”, alongside an announcement of the defender’s arrival.

Darmian’s contract with Inter expired at the end of last season, bringing his time with the Serie A club to a close. Bologna said his new deal will run until the end of the current campaign.

The move will make Bologna the seventh Italian club of Darmian’s career, following previous spells with Milan, Padova, Palermo, Torino, Parma and Inter.

Darmian joined Bologna for a trial before the club made its final decision on whether to offer him a contract. The agreement was subsequently confirmed as a free transfer.

Bologna appointed Raffaele Palladino as their manager after agreeing a contract with him until 30 June 2029. He succeeded Domenico Tedesco in the role.

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

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