From Bergamo to Milan to Rome: Serie A’s Dutch Representatives at World Cup 2026 | OneFootball

Seeking their first-ever World Cup title, the Netherlands head into this summer’s tournament as one of the outside favorites to win the trophy. Veteran coach Ronald Koeman has helped his side qualify for a second consecutive edition of the most prestigious international event in men’s football, with the Dutch enjoying a near-flawless run in qualifying Group G (W6, D2).

Ranked 7th in FIFA’s world rankings, the Netherlands enter the North American showpiece as the eighth most-fancied team to lift the crown. While more optimistic Netherlands betting sites believe the Oranje could outperform those expectations, especially after reaching the semi-finals at Euro 2024, translating potential into silverware has often proved elusive.

Interestingly, only three players currently performing in Serie A have made the cut, including exit-linked Inter stalwart Denzel Dumfries. However, the former PSV Eindhoven star is not even the standout name from the current Serie A crop. Without further ado, let’s look at all three Dutch internationals plying their trade in Italy’s top flight.

Denzel Dumfries [Inter]

Among the current squad, only all-time leading scorer Memphis Depay (108 caps) and captain Virgil van Dijk (90) have made more international appearances than Dumfries (71). Furthermore, the 30-year-old has tallied 11 goals for his country, with only five Dutch players scoring more often than him.

Dumfries will be heavily motivated to prove his class at the tournament, with several top European clubs vying for his signature. Despite enduring an injury-hit club season, he remains one of the most highly rated right-backs in world football.

In addition to several Premier League sides, La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid have recently joined the race for the Nerazzurri stalwart. Meanwhile, Dumfries, whose contract at San Siro expires in 2028, will be available for just €25 million this summer.

Needless to say, few players in the Netherlands squad have more to gain from a successful tournament than Dumfries.

Marten de Roon [Atalanta]

With 42 international appearances under his belt, Marten de Roon is another seasoned veteran. After helping the Oranje qualify for the quarter-finals in Qatar four years ago, De Roon missed Euro 2024 due to injury, as he now prepares for what is likely going to be his last major tournament with the Netherlands.

Unlike Dumfries, the 35-year-old enjoyed regular first-team football in 2025/26, making 34 Serie A outings. Unfortunately, the Atalanta captain endured one of his worst seasons in Bergamo, as La Dea finished outside Serie A’s top five for the first time in four years.

It’s fair to say that De Roon’s call-up came as a little surprise, considering he didn’t feature in a single qualifying game. Moreover, his last international appearance came in a friendly loss to Germany in March 2024.

Donyell Malen [Roma]

Fresh off completing his permanent transfer to Roma on the back of a stellar second half of the season, Donyell Malen heads into the World Cup in high spirits. The 27-year-old netted an impressive 14 goals in 18 league matches for the Giallorossi since joining the club from Aston Villa on a short-term loan in January.

In doing so, Malen helped Roma secure their first top-four finish in Serie A since 2017/18. Given his outstanding impact, the €25 million Roma paid the Birmingham outfit to secure his services on a permanent basis already looks like a bargain.

However, Malen, who boasts 51 caps for the Oranje, can ill afford to become complacent, particularly given the fierce competition for places in the final third.