diff --git a/binding/python/team/core.py b/binding/python/team/core.py
index 54161bf..b8569f9 100644
--- a/binding/python/team/core.py
+++ b/binding/python/team/core.py
@@ -101,7 +101,8 @@ def ifindex(self):
     @ifindex.setter
     def ifindex(self, ifindex):
         self._ifindex = ifindex
-        self.ifname = self._conv.dev_ifname(ifindex)
+        if self.ifindex:
+            self.ifname = self._conv.dev_ifname(ifindex)
 
     def get_hwaddr(self):
         err, hwaddr = capi.team_hwaddr_get(self._th, self.ifindex, 6)