Roma on United revenge mission

AS Roma midfielder David Pizarro says his side are ready "to take revenge" for their 7-1 defeat by Manchester United FC after the clubs were drawn together in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals for the second successive season. 

'Revenge'
"We were probably destined to meet Manchester United again and we're ready to take revenge," the 28-year-old said. "Many of us were expecting this. United are playing really well but we too have been consistent and are having a good season." The teams are well-acquainted having also met in the group stage this term. United won 1-0 at Old Trafford on Matchday 2 before drawing 1-1 at the Stadio Olimpico on 12 December. Last season's quarter-final, though, remains fresh in the memory and Roma goalkeeper Doni, in particular, is grateful for the chance to make amends. He was in goal at Old Trafford when Roma suffered their heaviest defeat in European competition en route to crashing out 8-3 on aggregate.

'Difficult tie'
Fresh from eliminating Real Madrid CF in the first knockout round, the Brazilian is confident Roma will not suffer the same fate. "It will be another difficult tie," the 28-year-old said. "It was a very bad game for us at Old Trafford last season, but this year we are different, we are more experienced. I heard that five or six players in our squad really wanted to get United to gain revenge. We will have to put in two great performances if we are to reach the semi-finals. We won in Madrid and that gave us more confidence. We know we can beat any one."

Flying the flag
Roma are Italy's last UEFA Champions League representative and will have the opportunity to underline that point when they take on 2007 champions AC Milan, who were knocked out by Arsenal FC, in Serie A on Saturday. The league is the priority for now with the second-placed Giallorossi looking to reduce the six-point gap to leaders FC Internazionale Milano – although Doni's thoughts will never be far from Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo who, between them, have already put five goals past the keeper in four games. "This year United are playing more as a team; last year they depended more on Cristiano Ronaldo," he said. "I rate Rooney as one of the best and most dangerous strikers in the world."

Intriguing contest
With four English sides in the draw, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was surprised to see his charges paired with Roma again. "It's incredible," Sir Alex told manutd.com. "I had a strong feeling we would draw an English side. It's amazing to think we will have played Roma six times in a year. That makes it an intriguing tie because we know a lot about Roma, but they know a lot about us. I have a feeling it will be another great European tie." The first leg will be staged in Rome on Tuesday 1 April with the return at Old Trafford eight days later.