Dumfries: ‘I love Italy, hard to see my friends at home for the World Cup’

Denzel Dumfries expressed his sympathies with his the Italy national team and its supporters with no World Cup to participate in, but has insisted that this is ‘not the right time’ for him to say his farewells to Inter. 

Dumfries sorry for Italy, but will not say goodbye to Inter just yet

Dumfries has started at right-back in both of the Netherlands’ first two matches at the 2026 World Cup, including Saturday’s 5-1 statement victory over Sweden. 

The Dutch side sit at the top of Group F with four points from their first two matches at the 2026 World Cup, level with Japan in second and one point better off than Saturday’s opponents, Sweden. Tunisia sit at the bottom of the pile and have already been eliminated. 

“We have a strong team, but we have to show it in every game,” Dumfries told DAZN after full-time of the Netherlands’ 5-1 victory over Sweden. “We believe so much in the strength of our team, but there are lots of other national sides that are just as strong. Let’s take things one game at a time.” 

Italian supporters will not need reminding that the 2026 tournament does not feature the Azzurri, who were beaten by Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup play-off final back in March. 

“Of course,” Dumfries replied when asked if it’s a shame that Italy are not there in North America. “So many friends of mine are at home right now, it’s hard to see. I love Italy.” 

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 17: Denzel Dumfries of FC Internazionale Milano reacts as the team warms up prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Cagliari Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Despite his love for the country, Dumfries will soon be leaving San Siro to join Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid. The Dutchman insists that there will be an opportunity to say his farewells to the Nerazzurri supporters properly, though. 

“No, no, no, this is not the time,” when asked if he has already said his farewells to Inter.