De Vrij: ‘Inter feel more responsibility in Champions League now’ | OneFootball

Stefan de Vrij recognises Inter have more ‘responsibility’ now as the only Italian side in the Champions League, but is eager to find out their Round of 16 opponents.

The Nerazzurri had already guaranteed their spot in the last 16 thanks to finishing in the top eight of the opening league phase.

This allowed them to miss the play-offs, which proved fatal for Juventus, Atalanta and Milan.

“We know that we have more responsibility following the elimination of the other Italian teams from the Champions League, and I am sincerely sorry for those who went out,” De Vrij told Tuttomercatoweb at an event this evening.

The draw for the Round of 16 will be held on Friday and Inter know they will be up against either Feyenoord or PSV Eindhoven, the sides that eliminated Milan and Juventus respectively.

“On a purely personal level, I am happy to face a Dutch opponent. Both PSV and Feyenoord are very strong teams,” added the Netherlands international.

De Vrij ready for Dutch test

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 18: Theo Hernandez #19 of AC Milan clashes with Anis Hadj Moussa of Feyenoord during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off second leg match between AC Milan and Feyenoord at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 18, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The 33-year-old came up through the Feyenoord youth academy and moved to Italy in 2014 for Lazio, then continuing his Serie A career with Inter from 2018.

“The Dutch youth academies are excellent and there is a much bigger focus on technique in our football. However, since coming to Italy, I have really improved in terms of tactical understanding, which is a whole other world to the one we learn.”

De Vrij has amassed 290 Serie A appearances in his career, scoring 19 goals and providing six assists.