Udinese midfielder Jesper Karlstrom is looking forward to battling Luka Modric, and he hopes to meet Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Saturday evening will see Milan host Udinese at San Siro, hoping for a win to try and climb out of a rough recent run of form that has seen the Rossoneri lose three of their last six fixtures without scoring a goal.
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Monday night’s defeat against Napoli at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona was by far the most damaging of the season. Not only did it mean that Inter are now nine points ahead at the top, but Antonio Conte’s side leapfrogged the Rossoneri into second.
Udinese meanwhile are well clear of the drop and so the game at the weekend is a bit more of a free hit. Karlstrom gave an interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport in which he also spoke about a number of different topics linked to Saturday’s game, and MilanPress relayed what he had to say.
Do you hope to meet your compatriot Ibrahimovic?
“I wonder if Zlatan will recognise me. Have I met him? I haven’t played with or against him. But in training, yes. He’s always been an idol, a legend. I’ve never seen anyone shoot like him. He remains a symbol in Sweden. I’d like to say hello to him on Saturday.”
You are second in Serie A for minutes played…
“I knew I’d be in this position, I’m happy, but it’s not that important. It won’t be easy to hold on. Especially against Milan.”
You will come up against Modric…
“Too good. For me, he was the role model I looked up to at Real Madrid, and he still is for everyone. Milan has a great midfield and a careful, organised defense.”
What must you do against Milan?
“Let’s get Davis back, he’s too good. Look, in the national team I play with Gyokeres, Isak, Elanga, champions. But Davis is not inferior at all. He and Zaniolo make a really good pairing.
“If Gattuso had played Nicolò in the playoffs, Italy would have been at the World Cup too. You needed someone like that.”
