Carpi midfielder Federico Gino has said that he is looking forward to playing against Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba this season.
The Serie A newcomers signed the 22-year-old from Uruguayan club Defensor Sporting and Gino recalled how his Uruguay side lost to Pogba’s France at the FIFA U-20 World Cup two years ago.
“[It was] a unique experience that I will never forget,” Gino said in a press conference. “We succeeded in reaching the final against a great France composed of players that have all played in teams from important leagues.
“In that moment Pogba already was an established player. I am happy to have the new opportunity to challenge him in Serie A.”
Carpi won 2-1 against Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk in a friendly on Thursday and Gino operated on the wings instead of playing in the middle as he usually does, and insists that his versatility means he can play wherever he is needed.
“I have already played in the past as an attacking full-back, where the coach played me on Thursday,” he said.
“My natural role, however, is that of a central midfielder. I can play in a [midfield] line of three as a defensive midfielder or a box-to-box midfielder in a midfield of four.
“If the coach asks me to hold yesterday’s role, I will do it without a problem. Carpi have been making history for years.”
