Dumfries: ‘Theo Hernandez and I obviously don’t like each other on the pitch | OneFootball

Inter defender Denzel Dumfries made no secret of his on-pitch rivalry with Milan’s Theo Hernandez, admitting the feeling is mutual.

The two full-backs have played against each other several times in the Derby della Madonnina, with many moments of tension occurring between the two.

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 22: Theo Hernandez of AC Milan is challenged by Denzel Dumfries of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 22, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Dumfries: ‘I certainly can’t say Theo Hernandez and I like each other’

“Obviously, we don’t like each other much on the pitch,” Dumfries said in an interview with Lega Serie A.

“I can’t say we’re friends off it because that would be a lie. But we have mutual respect: during the game, we each fight for our own colours.

“We even faced off at the Euros, but that’s part of the game. Off the pitch, there’s no problem between us, but on it, we only think about winning.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – JANUARY 02: Denzel Dumfries of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Italian Super Cup Semi-Final match between FC Internazionale and Atalanta at Al Awwal Park on January 02, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)

“There are many clashes, but that’s natural in football. I certainly can’t say we like each other, that’s for sure.”

Both Dumfries and Theo Hernandez were sent off when their sides met in April 2024, on the night the Nerazzurri were crowned Italian champions for the 20th time.