Matteo Darmian has not yet decided whether to continue playing in Serie A next season, with Inter reportedly ready to offer the 36-year-old defender a backroom role if he ends his playing career this summer.
Darmian Contract Runs Down At Inter
Football Italia reported on Wednesday that Darmian is due to leave Inter when his contract expires on June 30. Francesco Acerbi, 38, and Yann Sommer, 37, are also listed among the experienced players departing the club at the end of their deals.
Darmian has spent six seasons with Inter, making 218 competitive appearances for the Nerazzurri. The 46-cap Italy international helped the club win three Serie A titles, along with Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana honors.
The decision now is whether Darmian wants another year on the pitch or a move toward staff work. According to the report, Inter expect him to provide a response by the end of next week.
Serie A Clubs Monitor Darmian Decision
If Darmian chooses to keep playing, there is expected to be interest inside Serie A. Football Italia, citing Gianluca Di Marzio, named Sassuolo, Udinese, Monza and Venezia among the clubs that could make offers for the versatile full-back.
That market is not difficult to understand. Darmian can cover several defensive roles, has played in high-pressure Inter teams and brings experience that promoted or mid-table Serie A sides often value. The quieter question is whether he wants that weekly grind again.
For Inter, the offer of a backroom role would keep a trusted former player close to the squad while the club refreshes part of its senior group. For Darmian, it would mean moving from matchday selection problems to helping solve them from the other side of the training pitch.
Inter Face Experienced Squad Turnover
Darmian's situation is part of a wider reshaping at Inter. Acerbi and Sommer are also moving out of contract, giving the club decisions to make around leadership, depth and how quickly younger players are folded into the squad.
The immediate timeline is clear. Darmian's current Inter deal runs until June 30, Serie A clubs are watching the situation, and Inter have a staff option available if he decides six seasons and 218 games are enough.
Until Darmian answers, both paths remain open: another Serie A shirt as a player, or a return to Inter in a role that keeps his experience inside the club without asking him to chase wingers every weekend.