Bodo/Glimt 3-1 Inter Milan – Matteo Darmian Doesn’t Lose Hope Despite Heavy First-Leg Loss: “Qualification Still Within Reach” | OneFootball

Inter Milan defender Matteo Darmian refuses to admit defeat despite tonight’s 3-1 loss at Bodo/Glimt.

Speaking to Prime Video via FCInterNews, the veteran star confirmed that Inter won’t give up on their pursuit of last-16 qualification.

Darmian made his first competitive start of the season after recovering from a nasty calf injury.

Indeed, the 36-year-old has spent most of the campaign on the sidelines.

He picked up an injury during Inter’s 3-0 home win over Slavia Prague in September.

However, he has recently returned to action, amassing back-to-back appearances in the last three Serie A rounds.

Whether Cristian Chivu was right to put him in the starting lineup tonight remains questionable.

Still, Darmian nearly got on the scoresheet in the first half, but he hit the woodwork with a thunderous half-volley.

Matteo Darmian Confident Inter Milan Can Overcome Bodo/Glimt

PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 05: Matteo Darmian of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between Parma and FC Internazionale at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 05, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Despite finding a first-half equalizer through Francesco Pio Esposito, Inter left Norway empty-handed.

Indeed, Kjetil Knutsen’s side bagged two unanswered second-half goals to secure a massive two-goal advantage.

However, Inter will have a chance to bounce back in the return leg at San Siro next week.

Asked what Inter’s biggest problem tonight was, Darmian replied: “I’m not sure… The cold and the pitch can’t be excuses.

We’re leaving here with a negative result. We definitely wanted to do better, but we’re taking home a fairly heavy defeat.

“This week, we’ll have to analyze what we did tonight so we can be ready for San Siro.”

Despite facing a two-goal deficit, Darmian believes Inter can still reach the Round of 16.

“Qualification is still wide open,” he added. “No one wanted to lose 3-1.

“However, now we have to review everything to avoid repeating the same mistakes and deliver a different performance at San Siro to go through.”

Finally, he outlined his expectations for the second half of the season.

“I hope to stay fit. I’ve just gone through the longest injury of my career, but my teammates and the staff have always been close to me.

“Now I feel good. I want to help whenever I’m called upon and give everything for this team.”