Matteo Darmian
Italian full-back who won Serie A with Inter and the Europa League with Manchester United.
Matteo Darmian (born 2 December 1989) is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a full-back or wing-back. He began his career at AC Milan, making his senior debut in 2006 at the age of 16 and Serie A debut in 2007 at the age of 17. In 2009, he joined Padova on loan, whom he helped avoid relegation from Serie B in his only season there. He then signed for Palermo in 2010, and one year later joined Torino, where he played for four seasons. He moved to Manchester United in July 2015, and in four years there, won the FA Cup and UEFA Europa League, before joining Parma in 2019. He signed a season-long loan deal with Inter in October 2020, who made the transfer permanent in February 2021. That season ended with Darmian winning the Serie A title, a first league championship of his career. Darmian made his senior debut for the Italy national team in May 2014, and represented his nation at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro 2016 and Euro 2024.
- Position
- Defender / Wing-back
- Nationality
- Italian
- Previous Clubs
- Inter Milan, Juventus, Manchester United
- Status
- Active Veteran
Lore & Background
Darmian grew up playing football in the main square in Rescaldina and was trained by his father, Giovanni, who was one of the coaches of Oratorio team, US CARCOR, where players such as Marco Simone and Luigi Pogliana also played. He often played as a central or defensive midfielder in his youth. His first real break came when he was spotted by Beniamino Abate, a former goalkeeper tasked with scouting Lombardy for young talent by AC Milan.
In Their Own Story
The late afternoon sun casts long shadows across the pitch at Gewiss Stadium. Darmian stands near the sideline, towel over his shoulders, watching the final whistle approach. He doesn't need to shout; his presence commands respect from the younger wing-backs nearby. A veteran of Champions League nights and World Cup stages, he offers a quiet nod as the team gathers for the post-match handshake. It is these moments of calm authority that define his contribution.
Reader's Guide
Darmian's club career includes AC Milan (youth and senior), Padova (loan), Palermo, Torino, Manchester United, Parma, and Inter Milan. He won the FA Cup and UEFA Europa League with Manchester United, and the Serie A title with Inter Milan in 2020–21. He has represented Italy at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro 2016, and Euro 2024.
Did You Know?
- Darmian made his senior debut for AC Milan at age 16 in the Coppa Italia.
- He scored his only Premier League goal for Manchester United with a powerful volley against Crystal Palace in April 2016.
- Darmian started at left-back in the 2017 UEFA Europa League Final, which Manchester United won 2–0 against Ajax.
- He was voted Manchester United's Player of the Month for August 2015.
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