Spalletti targets OT test
05 Apr 2007 - 08:36:14
AS Roma coach Luciano Spalletti warned his side to expect a much tougher test of their mettle at Old Trafford, following their 2-1 victory over Manchester United in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.
Goals from Rodrigo Taddei and Mirko Vucinic gave the Italians a slim advantage to take into the return leg, but Spalletti is braced for a tense evening in Manchester.
He commented: "The most important match is still ahead of us, although my team proved they were able to stand tall against Manchester United and impress.
"It's a shame we weren't able to score more. The side overall did extremely well and even after going 2-1 up, we were unlucky with some scoring opportunities.
"We proved that we can challenge them in Manchester next week and are confident.
"I was pleased, as Sir Alex Ferguson has spent so many years at Manchester United and therefore clearly has incredible qualities, as it is not easy to win so much over 21 years at one club.
"I kept an eye on him on the touchline and if I could even get close to what he has achieved, I would be extremely happy."