Serie A regains Italian with World Cup experience as Darmian joins Bologna

Darmian joins Bologna on a free transfer from Inter, becoming Serie A's first Italian with World Cup experience this season.

Matteo Darmian has officially signed with Bologna on a free transfer after his contract with Inter Milan expired. The 36-year-old defender, who featured in Italy's 2014 World Cup campaign, has signed through June 2027. His arrival ends a notable drought in Serie A: the league had no Italian players with World Cup experience at the start of this season following Mattia Perin's move to Palermo and Darmian's departure from Inter. Italy has missed the last three World Cups.