Denzel Dumfries: 'I love Italy, it's hard to see friends at home during the World Cup'

Denzel Dumfries expressed his sympathy for the Italian national team and its supporters who will not participate in the 2026 World Cup. He emphasized that now is not the right time to say goodbye to Inter Milan. Dumfries has played at right-back in the Netherlands' first two matches at the 2026 World Cup, including a convincing 5-1 win over Sweden. The Netherlands are now top of Group F with four points from two matches, level with Japan in second place and one point better than Sweden. Tunisia is stuck at the bottom and has been eliminated. "We have a strong team, but we have to show it in every game," Dumfries told DAZN after the game against Sweden. "We have great confidence in the strength of our team, but there are many other national teams who are also strong. Let's take each game one by one." Italy fans certainly don't need to be reminded that the 2026 tournament does not feature the Azzurri, who lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup playoff final back in March. "Absolutely," Dumfries replied when asked if it was a shame that Italy wasn't in North America. "A lot of my friends are at home now, it's hard to see him. I love Italy." Despite having a deep love for the country, Dumfries would soon leave San Siro to join Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid. The Dutchman confirmed that there will be a chance to say goodbye to the Nerazzurri fans properly. "No, no, no, it's not the time," when asked if he had said goodbye to Inter.