Inter central defender Stefan de Vrij has admitted his focus is currently on the Netherlands upcoming UEFA Nations League clash with Italy tomorrow rather than Saturday’s Derby della Madonnina with AC Milan.

“I’ll focus on tomorrow’s match, then we’ll see [about the derby],” he explained during the pre-match press conference which took place earlier on today.

Asked if he feels any apprehension toward the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dutchman responded: “No, I don’t feel apprehension.”

de Vrij then went on to discuss the match against Italy, which could see him come up against three of his Inter teammates, Nicolo Barella, Stefano Sensi and Danilo D’Ambrosio.

“We are working hard, we will have played three games in a week with little time to train. We are working, trying to improve.

“In Amsterdam, Italy deservedly won, but this is another game and it will certainly not be the same. Italy has been playing together for a long time, they have not lost, you can see the hand of the coach in their team.

“It will be a tough and beautiful match. We always try to be optimistic, to find the positive side. The main strength of Italy is up front, but also in the midfield and defence, they are a team that have quality all over the field, but we have it too. It will be a great challenge.”

He then spoke on the journey that the Dutch national team have been on.

“Eight years ago we started a journey, we have grown a lot. Lately we have lacked results and goals, but we are aware of our strengths and of the quality of players of great teams. We will try to make a good impression.”

de Vrij joined Inter on a free transfer in the Summer of 2018 after his contract with Lazio expired at the end of the previous season. The 27-year-old has since made 84 appearances across all competitions for the club, in which he has scored six goals and provided six assists for his teammates.