Denzel Dumfries has voiced his sympathy for the Italian national team and its fans, acknowledging their absence from the World Cup. However, he has firmly stated that now is “not the right time” for him to depart from Inter Milan.

Dumfries Regrets Italy’s World Cup Absence, but Stays with Inter

Dumfries has featured as the starting right-back in both of the Netherlands’ opening matches at the 2026 World Cup, including their emphatic 5-1 victory over Sweden on Saturday.

The Dutch team currently leads Group F with four points from their initial two World Cup fixtures, sharing the top spot with Japan, who are second. They are one point ahead of their recent opponents, Sweden. Tunisia, at the bottom of the group, has already been eliminated.

“We have a strong team, but we must demonstrate it in every match,” Dumfries remarked to DAZN after the Netherlands’ 5-1 win against Sweden. “We have immense faith in our team’s strength, but many other national teams are equally formidable. Let’s take it one game at a time.”

Italian supporters are acutely aware that the Azzurri will not be participating in the 2026 tournament, having been defeated by Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup play-off final in March.

“Of course,” Dumfries responded when questioned about the disappointment of Italy’s absence from the North American tournament. “So many friends of mine are at home right now, it’s difficult to witness. I love Italy.”

Despite his affection for the country, Dumfries is reportedly set to leave San Siro soon to join Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid. Nevertheless, the Dutch international insists that an appropriate opportunity to bid a proper farewell to the Nerazzurri supporters will arise.

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

English Translation:

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

Denzel Dumfries has expressed his sympathy for the Italian national team and its supporters, given their absence from the World Cup. However, he 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.”

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.