Bologna’s return to Casteldebole has brought the first signs of Raffaele Palladino’s squad taking shape again during the international break, with the players not away on national-team duty beginning work through athletic activation and a small-sided match. The immediate focus is on restoring numbers and options before the trip to Lecce, particularly on the right side of the team.
Federico Bernardeschi has rejoined the group after the muscular discomfort he suffered against Torino. The attacking midfielder will now increase his workload gradually, but Palladino is hopeful that he can be available for the Lecce away match. Jens Odgaard, meanwhile, remains on an individual programme as he continues his recovery from a right hamstring problem.
The larger concern comes from Emil Holm’s injury while on international duty. The Swedish wide player is expected to undergo surgery shortly, with an absence of between three and four months anticipated. It leaves Bologna needing another right-sided option alongside Nadir Zortea and Lorenzo De Silvestri, and the club have turned to Matteo Darmian.
Darmian trained for the first time with the Rossoblù after becoming a free agent. Bologna’s technical staff want to assess his condition before finalising their move, although a contract running until next June has already been prepared and a decision is expected in the coming days. The outlook is increasingly positive.
The 35-year-old ended a six-year spell at Inter in June, having collected nine trophies with the Nerazzurri, including three Serie A titles. For Bologna, his possible arrival would be less about a dramatic change than a practical response to a long-term absence: an experienced player familiar with the demands of a season in which every available squad place can matter.
