Inter Milan defeated Atalanta 2-0 in the semi-finals of the Italian Super Cup last night, with Denzel Dumfries scoring twice and being hailed as the hero of the match. This victory has propelled Inter Milan to the final of the competition, where they have a chance to claim the trophy. Considering the substantial prize money on offer for winning the tournament (€23 million for first place), fans jokingly refer to Dumfries' performance as earning back his salary.
Inter Milan's impressive form this season is closely linked to the excellent performances of their two wing-backs. It is worth noting that Dimarco is a product of Inter's youth academy and was re-signed for only €5 million. Inter Milan acquired Dumfries in 2021 at a relatively low cost of €14.25 million. As they compete on multiple fronts for titles, Inter Milan now boasts a "two-winged flight" strategy.
This price is considered "unthinkable" in the world of football, and Inter Milan has indeed made a significant profit.
Dumfries started the season mostly as a substitute, primarily due to issues surrounding his contract renewal. Inter Milan, suspecting his loyalty, demoted him. However, after renewing his contract, he gradually regained his form, despite previous conflicts and disagreements. Now, the 28-year-old Dumfries has solidified his position as the starting right-back for Inter Milan, having played 21 games this season and scored 5 goals with 2 assists. His market value is just €20 million.
On the other side of Inter Milan's defense, Dimarco, valued at €60 million, is an absolute mainstay. He has also played 21 games this season, scoring 3 goals and providing 5 assists.
Interestingly, Dumfries and Dimarco are not only Inter Milan's starting wing-back duo but also good friends and the club's entertainers. In matches, Dimarco is one of Inter Milan's spiritual leaders and is recognized by supporters as a potential captain. Dumfries is like a big brother to players such as Bisek, and his speed, passion, and physicality are significant advantages for Inter Milan. Additionally, Dumfries often appears unhappy, while Dimarco is known for his exaggerated actions, earning them the affectionate nickname "Mindless and Unhappy" from Chinese Inter Milan fans.