Bologna’s search for depth on the right side has reached its testing phase, with Matteo Darmian working at Casteldebole while the club weighs whether the former Inter player can quickly recover the rhythm required for the season ahead.
Darmian’s assessment at Casteldebole
- Darmian underwent medical examinations before joining Bologna’s training environment.
- He began work with the squad the following morning, adding training sessions and small-sided games to the individual preparation he had already completed with his personal fitness coach.
- The club are examining more than his physical condition. Darmian must also regain match familiarity after several months away from regular football: timing, distances, spaces and the demands of competitive situations are all part of the evaluation.
- Bologna want to establish how long it would take for the 36-year-old to become sufficiently competitive for Serie A duty.
Raffaele Palladino needs a player who can be available within roughly three weeks. Four weeks would already represent a long wait, and that timetable will carry considerable weight in Bologna’s final decision.
There has been no public indication from the club over the length of Darmian’s trial period. Bologna have kept the process private, both while they assess his suitability and out of respect for a player regarded as an accomplished professional. A clearer answer could arrive by the end of the week, although a decision may come sooner or take slightly longer.
Other options remain under consideration
Darmian’s presence in training has not stopped Bologna from monitoring the market for other free or available profiles.
- Elseid Hysaj, 32, is unattached following his Lazio departure and is currently with Albania for Nations League commitments.
- Pol Lirola, the 29-year-old Spanish former Verona player, is another name being considered.
- Mitchel Bakker, 26 and formerly of Atalanta, is also on the list, although he is left-footed.
If Darmian and Bologna do not reach an agreement, Hysaj is the leading candidate to provide cover for Nadir Zortea. For now, though, the next training sessions will decide whether Darmian’s return to the pitch can become part of Bologna’s campaign rather than only a possibility explored in autumn.
