Roma warn United they are out for revenge

Memories of the 7-1 Old Trafford mauling that followed a 2-1 first-leg victory in the Olympic Stadium still haunt Roma and coach Luciano Spalletti has warned United there would be no repeat.

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Spalletti said: 'Last time I gave Ferguson some great wine as a gift, but this time there will be no wine and no gifts — on the field or off the field.

'We gave them seven last time and there can be no repeat. Manchester United are the best team in the world but we are motivated to beat them.'

United start as favourites and have been boosted by news that goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar and defender Rio Ferdinand have recovered from injuries.

But Spalletti was quick to remind United of their moderate away record in Europe. Ferguson's team have only beaten Dinamo Kiev, Benfica, Lille and Sporting Lisbon in their past 18 Champions League away games.

Spalletti said: 'United have some sensational players, but it is a long time since they have got a very important win abroad. They are fantastic at Old Trafford as they showed against us last year, but they are not quite the same away from home.'

United arrived in Rome on Monday in good spirits after Saturday's 4-0 Barclays Premier League win over Aston Villa and will be followed by 3,200 fans with tickets for the game. With memories fresh of the trouble that marred last season's defeat in Rome, both clubs have worked with authorities to reduce chances of a repeat.

UEFA communications director William Gaillard stressed next season's Champions League Final would be moved from Rome if there was trouble.

But Roma player Daniele de Rossi said there was only so much clubs could do. 'It is important we appeal to our fans, but whatever you do, things can still happen 15km away from the stadium,' he said. 'Everybody thinks it's football's problem, but it is not just that.'

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Extra precautions have been taken to improve the safety of United fans inside the stadium, and the club have warned supporters to avoid the Campo de Fiori piazza, and metro routes used by Roma's ultras.

Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson has offered Chelsea no sympathy over the rescheduling of their League game at Everton this month.

Chelsea are furious the match has been switched to Thursday April 17 — three days after they play Wigan — to satisfy the demands of television.

But Ferguson claimed that Chelsea benefited last season when Tottenham were ordered to play their London rivals 38 hours after a UEFA Cup tie at Sevilla.

Ferguson said: 'They had Spurs at lunchtime last season. They did all right then, but that didn't stop us winning the League.'