Proving Doubters Wrong: How Matteo Darmian Evolved as a Baller

The Full History of Matteo Darmian is the story of a boy who not many believed would become the successful footballer he has now become. Matteo’s soft looks and gentle nature made people see him as the polar opposite of the stereotypical modern footballer. Members of Matteo Darmian’s family, including his Dad (Giovanni) and wife (Francesca), once doubted his abilities.

As a child, he ate lots of his Mum’s cakes and was stereotyped by many as being too soft to reach the height of a modern-day footballer. This article tells you the story of an Italian footballer who not only silenced his doubters but went on to achieve a Guinness World Record For The Most Goals Scored From The Corner In One Minute. Mateo achieved that with one other footballer at that person is Antonio Valencia.

Our Matteo Darmian Biography tells you Facts about his Childhood Story, Early Life, Parents – Giovanni Darmian (Father), Family Background, Siblings, Wife (Francesca Cormanni), Children (Achille Leo and Gregorio Leo), Grandfather (Erminio), Grandmother (Michela), etc.

This article on Darmian also explains facts regarding his Armenian Family Origin, Ethnicity, hometown, Religion, etc. Again, we’ll explain the details of his Salary at Inter Milan, Net Worth, Personal Life and Lifestyle.

Preamble:

We begin Matteo Darmian’s Bio by unveiling you notable details of his boyhood years and early life.

Next, we’ll take you through his journey to football fame, including moments when his abilities were doubted. We’ll go further to tell you how the Legnano native achieved an instant rise in the beautiful game.

We hope to whet your autobiography appetite as we engage you with reading Matteo Darmian’s Bio.

To begin doing that, let’s show you a gallery that explains his early life and great rise in football. Indeed, Darmian has come a long way in his amazing football journey.

Yes, everyone knows he, who fans call ‘The Octopus,’ is an intelligent, dynamic, hard-working, and versatile footballer. Darmian is known for his good offensive and defensive play quality.

His superior tactical comprehension and endurance on the field have been praised, leading him to earn a unique distinction.

For example, in the 2012/2013 season, Matteo Darmian stood out as the player with the highest number of tackles per game (5.3), setting a record across Europe’s top five Leagues.

In our quest to deliver the Life History of Italian Footballers, we found a knowledge deficit. The truth is, not many football fans have read Matteo Darmian’s Biography, which is very exciting. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

Matteo Darmian Childhood Story:

For starters, in his Biography reading, he bears the nickname – ‘Octopus’. This nickname came about simply because Darmian gets where others don’t. Matteo Darmian was born on the 2nd day of December 1989 to his Father, Giovanni Darmian, and an Italian Mother in Legnano, Milan.

According to our research, the Italian professional footballer appears to be the only son born to his parents – Mr and Mrs Giovanni Darmian.

One fact that you might not know about Matteo is his close resemblance with his Dad, a man who provided him with the platform to succeed. Now, let’s introduce you to one of Matteo Darmian’s Parents – Giovanni.

Growing-Up Years:

Matteo Darmian spent the bulk of his childhood years in the main square in Rescaldina. He grew up in this town situated in part of the Metropolitan City of Milan, in the Italian region Lombardy. As a little boy, Matteo’s favourite food were Carrots, green beans, fresh fish and pasta.

The part of Rescaldina where Matteo Darmian’s parents raised their son is a place known as Carcor. Carcor is known by many as a real breeding ground for young football talents.

Matteo, who now become a great footballer, has been shy since childhood. He has remained someone who was always ready to lend a hand.

With no record of having siblings (a brother or a sister) as a child, Matteo Darmian was also known as a very reserved boy while growing up. Because he hardly talks, people hardly get to know him, except when he plays football on the pitch.

Young Darmian was seen as a boy who was very close to his family, which included both his parents and grandparents. Giovanni, his wife (Matteo’s Mum), including his grandparents (Erminio and Michi) all raised him with the right values. We’ll tell you more about them as we proceed with this Bio.

Matteo Darmian Early Years:

The Italian footballer gave his first kicks with the ball in the oratory of his hometown, Rescaldina. Matteo was very obsessed with football when he was a child.

Aside from that, he also had a passion for reading, as he was super-intelligent in school. Now, let’s tell you how playing football began for the Octopus.

Regarding his earliest football experience (which began at home), Matteo Darmian started by making himself a ball of aluminium foil. Every morning, he played with the artificial ball and at noon and evenings, the ball was still under his feet.

From playing with the ball made of aluminium foil, little Matteo progressed to kicking a real ball for the first time.

Research has it that Darmian is not the only top Italian footballer who began kicking a ball on the pitch of an oratory in his Italian home town.

In fact, he shares something in common with these Italian footballers who also began playing football at the oratory. Their names are; Manuel Locatelli, Sandro Tonali and Wilfried Gnonto.

I feel compelled to share that football wasn’t the sole athletic pursuit in Mateo’s life. The Darmian family household nurtured a deep affinity for a variety of sports, including tennis and skateboarding.

During his early years, Matteo held a deep-seated enthusiasm for skateboarding. However, there came a point where he found it challenging to juggle both sports, as his love for football took precedence in his life.

Matteo Darmian Family Background:

First, let’s tell you what the parents of the Italian professional footballer do for a living. Matteo Darmian’s Father is a football coach. Giovanni is credited for training his son to become a professional, an activity that began at the main square in Rescaldina.

As mentioned earlier, Matteo Darmian’s first encounter with a real football took place on the pitch of the oratory located in his Italian hometown, Rescaldina. On this local field, his guide and mentor had remained his father, Giovanni – a man credited with nurturing numerous boys into becoming footballers.

The coaching job of Matteo Darmian’s Dad was mostly centred around the family’s hometown clubs. Our findings reveal that Giovanni was one of the coaches of U.S. CARCOR, a Soccer club in Rescaldina, Italy.

This football club provided a sporting foundation to former Italian players like Marco Simone and Luigi Pogliana.

On the other hand, we know Matteo Darmian’s Mother as a “cake baker.” She specializes in the art of baking cakes, including her expertise in creating various types and flavours of cakes. In an interview, Matteo once complimented his Mum in the following words;

My mother made me cakes during every grade (from 6 upwards) that I ate at school.

The impact of other family members:

Matteo Darmian’s Parents weren’t the only ones who gave him the wonderful experience of his childhood. The Italian footballer grew up alongside other extended family members like his grandparents.

Erminio, his granddad, had the same nature as his Dad, Giovanni. From childhood up to when Matteo was 16, he had accompanied him to his training sessions.

On the other hand, Matteo Darmian’s grandmother never stops watching him on TV. It is important to note the fact that she often welcomes her grandson home by preparing his favourite dish – fresh fish, Carrots and green beans.

Matteo Darmian Family Origin:

The Italian Full-back was born in Italy, and we know that Rescaldina, his hometown was where his parents raised him. However, there is more to Matteo Darmian’s origins than just Italy (similar to Matias Soule). Interestingly, there is a part of Europe where his family has its roots.

Research conducted indicates that Matteo Darmian comes from a family with Armenian roots.

For starters, Armenia is a landlocked country located in the mountainous Caucasus region between Asia and Europe.

Pictured here in this map, Matteo Darmian’s roots is situated between the Caspian and the Black Sea.

Following the 2014 Brazil-hosted FIFA World Cup, Darmian’s village and hometown (Rescaldina) entered history.

It was the only place with less than 15,000 people living in it to have two footballers playing in the Italian national team during the World Cup. Aside from Matteo, the other person is Ignazio Abate, whose family live in the hamlet of Rescalda.

Matteo Darmian Education:

The Italian footballer completed his Preschool (Scuola dell’Infanzia) and Primary School (Scuola Primaria) in his hometown of Rescaldina. Darmian’s mother supported him during his schooling days by ensuring he never lacked his favourite snack, cakes.

We wouldn’t fail to reaffirm the fact that Little Darmian was very intelligent in school. The little Lad naturally developed an obsession for reading his books as well as kicking the ball.

It is confirmed to us that little Darmian made his grade at an excellent level despite being obsessed with football. He was the type of pupil who had an extra passion for multitasking between sports and reading.

Back in the day, Damian’s grandfather Erminio was responsible for picking him up when he closed from school.

Matteo Darmian Biography – Football Journey:

Playing football was always the next on the agenda each time he returned from school. When his grandfather Erminio picked him up from school, he would put Darmian into his car en route for his training section.

While in the car, Mattro often ate his favourite sandwich that his granddad always bought for him. Erminio would accompany his grandson to Saronno, where he would then take the bus to Milanello.

When Matteo Darmian was still a child, his grandmum (Michela) jokingly called him “Demònior Devil”.

This is because he did nothing but play his ball (destructively) in the courtyard of his family home. By overshooting the ball, young Matteo Darmian broke vases with flowers, and he left them on the ground broken.

From kicking the ball on the pitch of the oratory of his hometown, he developed talent and soon found himself in the books of AC Milan.

How did Matteo Darmian get into the books of the Rossoneri? Research has it that he was scouted by a famous scout, the person of Beniamino Abate. Darmian was scouted after he made a significant stride in his first club.

Beniamino Abate, the football scout who got Matteo to Milan, is a former Goalkeeper whose job was to scout the Italian region of Lombardy for young talents.

Coincidentally, Beniamino Abate is the father of AC Milan Defender Ignazio Abate, the former AC Milan full-back.

In the new millennium (the year 2000), Darmian became fully registered with AC Milan’s youth system.

In his early years with the club, nobody at Milan could fault Darmian, all thanks to his impressive bursts of speed and excellent technique.

Road to Fame Story:

The Rescaldina native grew up in the Milan youth team, progressing from all academy stages to the first team in 2006. In fact, Darmian was so good that the club’s former coach, Carlo Ancelotti, allowed him to make his senior debut even before he turned 17.

It will interest you to know that Matteo played alongside AC Milan Legends. Among those include; Ricardo Kaka, Ronaldo de Lima, Clarence Seeforf, Filippo Inzaghi, Alessandro Nesta, Dida, Gennaro Gattuso, etc.

He arrived at AC Milan senior team just after the club had just won the Champions League – a thrilling final revenge against Rafael Benítez’s Liverpool team.

Coincidentally, Ignazio Abate (the former AC Milan footballer whose Dad scouted Darmian) became his direct rival for a starting position with AC Milan senior team.

Between the five seasons (2006 to 2012), Darmian made just 15 Seria A appearances with the Rossoneri.

The truth is, nobody could fault Matteo Darmian, given his good technical attributes. After Carlo Ancelotti’s AC Milan departure to Chelsea, he proceeded to make loan moves to Padova, Palermo and Torino.

Despite limited playing opportunities with his parent club, Darmian refused to let his head drop. Rather, the Italian full-back focused on redoubling his efforts. Further disappointment came his way, and in the summer of 2012, AC Milan released him to another club.

A never-give-up Darmian continued his football with Palermo, a team which once had Javier Pastore as their biggest star. His first mission was to earn many appearances, and he gladly achieved that.

However, things (again) did go as he had expected, and Palermo, in 2011, activated the transfer of Darmian to Serie B club Torino.

Matteo Darmian Biography – Rise to Fame:

There was an exceptional atmosphere at his new football home, Torino. The club’s coach, Giampiero Ventura and President [Urbano] Cairo explained to Darmian how important he would be to the team. In no time, the Italian footballer reciprocated the good gesture.

Matteo Darmian found great stability with Torino, and he quickly forged an understanding with his teammates. Among those include Alessio Cerci, Ciro Immobile and Angelo Ogbonna. Thankfully, the conditions were right for Darmian to blossom at last.

In the 2013–14 season, the Italian Defender helped Torino to qualify for the Europa League. His good performance caught the eyes of the Italian manager, Cesare Prandelli, who gave him a national team call.

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli was on the look for utilizing promising young players. He revealed that Matteo did not only show great enthusiasm but understood what he was looking for. Although Darmian rejected the praise that he resembles a certain Paolo Maldini. In his words;

“When I was younger, I got a rare chance to train with Paolo Maldini. It’s too flattering a comparison for me. It’s too early.”

A humble Darmian also did not let his head be turned by big clubs who were chasing his signature. In fact, he refused to listen to the offers from prestigious outfits around Europe. To the joy of Matteo Darmian’s family, he got a dream-come-true call-up to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

2014 World Cup Boost:

Darmian was among other young names like Mario Balotelli, Lorenzo Insigne, and Marco Verratti, who made it to the World Cup in Brazil. When his Italy side had their opening 2-1 victory against England in that tournament, football fans kept asking one question.

“Who is this wonderkid called Matteo Darmian?”

The Ex Man United Defender was one of the big stars of the 2014 FIFA World Cup match against England. Matteo once revealed that if he had been told eight months before the tournament that he’d be playing in the World Cup, he would have busted into laughter. He once said;

It was a childhood dream to be at the FIFA WOrld cup. honestly, I didn’t think I’d get THERE. Since getting my first call-up, though, I gave everything while staying humble.

Post FIFA World Cup Growth:

Following his outstanding performance in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Darmian signed for English club Manchester United. Under Louis van Gaal’s team, he partnered with the likes of Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Axel Tuanzebe (CB), Ashley Young (RB), Luke Shaw, etc in Defence.

It was Man United that gave Darmian his first career honour. Under the command of Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho, he went on to win five trophies. They are; the FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Europa League and the Community Shield.

After falling out of favour with the Special One, Darmian, under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign, got fewer first-team opportunities. Four months before his 30th birthday, Matteo returned to Italy, signing for his former club Parma.

With his new club, his performance skyrocketed. Matteo continued to be that intelligent, dynamic, versatile player and a hard-working player known for his good quality of offensive and defensive. His style of play attracted Inter Milan, who signed him permanently in 2021.

Darmian’s success and trophy collection weren’t final with Manchester United. He also won trophies with Inter (Serie A, Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana) – under the command of Antonio Conte and Simone Inzaghi.

More interestingly, his formidable defensive partnership with Denzel Dumfries (RB), Milan Škriniar (CB), Francesco Acerbi, and Alessandro Bastoni led Inter to get the result they deserved after the 2022 FIFA World Cup. At the time of writing Matteo Darmian’s Biography, he has just helped the Nerazzurri to reach the 2022/2023 Champions League final. The rest, as we say, is now history.

Introducing Francesca – Matteo Darmian Wife:

Matteo and Francesca have been together for more than a decade – from the time of writing this Bio (June 2023). Francesca Cormanni’s family have their origins in Arese. This place is a comune in the Metropolitan City of Milan (Western Europe) in the Italian region Lombardy, about 12 kilometres northwest of Milan.

Francesca celebrates her birthday every 17th of August. During Darmian’s time at Manchester United, he decided to get married to his long-term partner. The two love birds tied the knot in 2017, a wedding that was followed by a huge party in Cernobbio (Lake Como) – which is one of their favourite places.

Two years after their marriage, Francesca and Matteo became parents for the first time. Matteo’s wife gave birth to their first child, Achille. Francesca later gave birth to their second child, Gregorio. To complete the Darmian family, there exists a dog named Ettore, whom Matteo refers to as “The real master of the home”.

Tying the Knot:

The Defender married his historic girlfriend, Francesca Cormanni, after nine years of dating. Matteo and Francesca had their wedding at the church of San Bernardo and Giuseppe. There was a veritable sea of ​​crowds and a shower of applause for Matteo Darmian.

Darmian has always been very attached to his Rescaldina hometown and country of origin. Hence, it was no coincidence that the venue of his wedding fell on Rescaldina, even if his wife’s family have their origins in Arese.

For the invited wedding gust from Rescaldina, doing the wedding at their environment was just a way of Matteo saying thank you, especially to all those persons in his hometown who helped him in his early footballing exploits.

Among the many international football stars present at the wedding were Matteo’s closest Pals, Alessio Cerci and Michael Carrick. Some of his casual friends waited after his wedding for the couple at refreshments on the shores of Lake Como in Cernobbio.

Today, the married couple celebrates their wedding anniversary every 14th of June. And their wedding was celebrated on the 14th of June 2017.

Personality:

Who is Matteo Darmian?

In an interview titled; Burning Truths, the Italian professional footballer revealed how he had lived a life where he was constantly underrated. According to Darmian;

Even my wife underestimates me. When she goes for a run, she doesn’t want me with her because she often says I would only slow her down.

And when she sees me starting in the pre-match, she feels compelled to inform the social media manager about a potential mistake, every time.

even in the evening in bed she prefers to do it alone because she is convinced that I would fail.

Matteo takes these things philosophically as he believes doubts are a normal part of life. At least, he is quite happy that he hardly ever disappoints people, including family members. And the fact that they never ask him to do anything helps him create more time for himself.

The first music concert Matteo attended was that of AC/DC. They are an Australian music rock band formed in Sydney in 1973 by the Scottish-born brothers Angus Young (lead guitar) and Malcolm (rhythm guitar).

Darmian often listens to their music, which reminds him of his beginnings and helps to recharge his batteries.

Matteo Darmian Lifestyle:

The Italian footballer and his wife, Francesca, are great fans of New York, a city they once visited every year before the pandemic.

Again, they have also given themselves a perfect dream holiday in Polynesia, a subregion of Oceania made up of more than 1,000 islands. Not forgetting South Africa and Cuba, which is added to their list of holiday destinations.

Does Matteo Darmian have a Car?

The Nerazzurri footballer, who lives a very reserved life off the pitch, isn’t the type who fancies displaying his brand of cars to the public.

Let’s not forget that Darmain earns €61,731 per week, which is enough to buy him a fleet of cars.

Matteo Darmian Family Life:

The professional footballer, renowned for his quiet disposition, puts lots of importance on members of his household.

His parents and relatives have been a pivotal influence on his journey, fostering the tenacity that has become his hallmark both on and off the field. Now, let’s tell you more about them.

Matteo Darmian Grandmother:

She (Matteo’s maternal grandmother) is often referred to as Grandma Michi. However, her first name is Michela.

Matteo Darmian has, over the years, remained very close to his grandmother Michela, so much so that he spends most of his Christmas with her and the whole family.

Football fans once learned how Matteo bonds very closely with his grandmum following the closure of Euro 2016. After the tournament, a homesick Darmian retired to his hometown Rescaldina to embrace his family once again.

The visit came after an unfortunate situation, a time the Italian Defender missed a penalty kick during the Euro 2016 quarter-final match against Germany. That penalty was saved by Manuel Neuer. Upon sighting her grandson, who had just returned home, Grandma Michela quickly said;

“Upon his return, I found him a little down and in a state of sadness. Matteo told me he was sorry for the fans.”

About the penalty thrown away by his grandson, Matteo’s maternal grandmother became one of those who came to his defence. More interestingly, she also revealed some clear ideas, saying;

Penalties are not his specialty and others, such as Pellé and Zaza, have also made mistakes before him.

Grandma Michi, as Matteo calls her, has the habit of preserving her grandson’s old football photos. She does the arrangement on the sideboards and shelves in the corner of their family house.

Among those photos include that from his debut with AC Milan. Also, that of Matteo’s debut with the Italian national team – which his Grandma, Michela, is very attached to. In her words;

If he hadn’t become a champion of trophies, I would still have been proud of my Matteo. This is because he’s a really good boy, and he doesn’t show off.

Matteo Darmian Grandfather:

At the time of writing this biography, Grandfather Erminio passed away. Matteo dedicates his wins and trophy celebrations to him. We’ve noted in this Biography that Matteo grew up alongside his parents and mostly around his grandfather Erminio.

Throughout his youth career, before Darmian became a senior player with AC Milan, he recalls that his grandfather Erminio gave him that lending hand. A helping hand that is quite similar to the case of Dominik Livakovic.

Back then, the late Erminio always accompanied young Matteo to training sessions. He did that first with Matteo’s Rescaldina team, then during his days with Carcor, and then with AC Milan youth.

Matteo Darmian Mother:

Like Grandmother Michela, she gets moved each time she watches Matteo’s games on TV. Even though it means seeking help from Grandmum, Darmain’s mum always ensures her son gets his favourite meal (Pasta, Carrots, green beans and fresh fish) each time he returns home.

Matteo Darmian Father:

Giovanni built a family that had little social life, including a household that spent most of their summers in Sardinia. Back then and even at present, the entire family (managed by Darmain’s Dad) lived (with great discretion) their daily life in Milan.

In the home built by Giovanni Darmian, football isn’t the only sport. Giovanni’s house has a passion for watching their favourite tennis player – Roger Federer. Also, supporting the Olimpia Basketball team in Milan and the Lakers in the NBA.

Untold Facts:

In the final section of Matteo Darmian’s Biography, we’ll unveil truths you might not know about him. Without further ado, let’s get started.

The origin of Matteo Darmian Nickname:

Manuel Iori, his ex-partner was the person who named him “Octopus”. She gave Matteo the name because of his long legs and the fact that he could reach where the others did not reach. The nickname came during his footballing days with Palermo.

Matteo Darmian SOFIFA:

Despite his calm and gentle looks, the Italian Defender is as hard as a rock, even in FIFA games. Darmian is extremely underrated. For those who watch the Inter Milan games, it’s obvious that the Athlete deserves at least an 83 overall rating.

Aside from a less than 50% deficiency in his FK accuracy and Penalties, you can clearly see that Matteo Darmian is a complete footballer.

A complete footballer, in this case, means he lacks anything in football below the 50% average. This is the case of Davide Calabria and Federico Dimarco.

Matteo Darmian Salary:

The contract he signed on the 2nd of February 2023, which runs until June 30 2024, sees him earning the sum of 61,731 weekly. Summing this earnings for 12 months it implies the Athlete makes €3,214,950 annually from Inter Milan.

How rich is the footballer from Legnano?

In the place Matteo Darmian parents raised him (Rescaldina, Milan), the average person earns as much as 41,634 € (EUR) per year. Do you know?… Such a resident would need to work for 77 years to make Matteo’s annual earnings. Wow!

Meeting VIPs:

EndNote:

Matteo Darmian was born on the 2nd day of December 1989 to his Parents – Mr and Mrs Giovanni Darmian. He is married to his Wife, Francesca Cormanni, a lady whose family hails from origins in Arese, Milan. As of 2023, Mateo and Francesca are parents of two Children (Achille and Gregorio).

Darmian grew up in Rescaldina, in the in the company of his Grandfather (Erminio) and Grandmother (Michela). As a child, the youngster kicked a ball for the first time on the pitch of the oratory in Rescaldina. In that home town team, Matteo was coached by his father, Giovanni.

Speaking of his origin, Matteo Darmian has his family roots in Armenia. From an ethnic point of view, he is best described as an Armenian Italian. Back in the day, the Darmian house wasn’t about the love for football. The Full Back, in his childhood, had a passion for other sports like tennis and basketball.

Little Matteo was very intelligent in school – with reading and playing football becoming his only passion. From playing football at home, where he made himself a ball of aluminium foil, Darmian progressed and found himself in the books of AC Milan Academy.

Matteo Darmian’s grandfather Erminio, who has unfortunately passed away, gave him great support in his early career years. Back then, the late Erminio was fond of buying his grandson his favourite sandwich. It happened each time he drove him in his car to school and to the Saronno bus stop, where Mattro takes a bus to Milanello Sports Center.

Career highs:

The Defender has won lots of titles in his career, despite a difficult start with AC Milan. With Manchester United, Darmian won the FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Europa League and Super Cup runner-up. And with Inter Milan, he won the Serie A, Coppa Italia, Supercoppa Italiana. Winning trophies isn’t Matteo’s only achievement. He is also part of the Guinness World Record for the highest goals scored from a corner in 1 minute (6 goals).

Appreciation Note:

Aside from Matteo Darmian’s Biography, we’ve got other Childhood stories of Italian footballers to satisfy your reading appetite. Without a doubt, the life history of Moise Kean and Mateo Retegui will excite you.

Thank you for taking the time to read our version of Matteo Darmian’s Biography. We care about accuracy and fairness in our quest to deliver the stories of Italian Fullbacks. Matteo Darmian’s Bio is part of our collection of European Football Stories.

Please reach out to us via comment if you find anything that doesn’t look right in this memoir about the gentle footballer from Rescaldina. Also, tell us what you think about Matteo, the humble footballer who thanked Man United after helping Inter reach the Champions League final.