Matteo Darmian possesses a Darwinian view of football: adapt or get left behind. He has embraced this concept fully, wearing it as a badge of honor. This winning mindset has not only helped him secure a second star with Inter Milan but also contributed to his memorable victory at the European Championship at the age of 34. Recently, he celebrated his first goal of the season in front of 70,000 enthusiastic Inter fans.
Darmian’s journey began at Milanello, when he was part of the youth setup at AC Milan. During a team gathering, the young players were asked to fill out a questionnaire, including the classic question of what they would do if they hadn’t chosen football. His answer, “the pizza maker,” drew laughter, especially considering his transition from debuting with Milan to winning titles with Inter.
Throughout his career, Darmian has evolved as a player—from a promising center-back to a talented full-back, and even a versatile player during his time in the Premier League under Louis van Gaal. Nowadays, he enjoys the role of a wing-back, consistently remaining calm under pressure. He jokingly attributes his occasional frustration to his wife, but he strives to maintain his composure. “Sometimes I should be a bit tougher, but that’s just not in my nature,” he admits.
Darmian is a thoughtful player, often unnoticed yet essential. Recently, he showcased his skills by scoring a precise header against Lecce. He chose Inter in 2020 after a strong season with Parma, having arrived from a brief, challenging stint in Manchester. At Inter, Darmian has regained his footing, earning respect as a key player. Under Antonio Conte, he was viewed as an additional starter, while Simone Inzaghi has utilized him in various roles, showcasing his adaptability.
In the match against Lecce, Darmian demonstrated his usual determination, completing 6 tackles, playing 51 passes, and scoring a crucial goal. When dubbed “underrated,” he simply laughs, saying, “I’ve always done my part by being myself. That’s the best part.”
This season, like last year, he’ll be competing for a starting spot with Dutch player Denzel Dumfries. Although Dumfries was expected to start against Lecce, Darmian proved himself, ultimately earning the nod and even scoring. “The internal competition is healthy; it pushes everyone to give their best. After all, we are Inter. Winning is never easy, but maintaining success is even harder.”
Just like the beginning of his career, Darmian continues to stand out, proving that his steady approach always pays off in the end.