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ROME, April 2 (Reuters) - Midfielder David Pizarro said AS Roma will have a point to prove to Cristiano Ronaldo in the return leg of their Champions League quarter-final at Old Trafford next week.
"There is no doubt that Cristiano Ronaldo has quality, but it is also true that he's a big head," the Chilean told reporters after the Portugal international's headed goal set United on their way to Tuesday's 2-0 win.
"He could leave out some of the fancy tricks, it's necessary to respect the opponent. You can bet that we'll have something to show him in the return."
The Italian press, in contrast, were full of praise for the forward, who also hit the post with a shot from outside the area shortly after Wayne Rooney made it 2-0 in the second half.
"Too much Ronaldo," read the front-page headline of Wednesday's La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Italy's top sports daily gave the player eight out of 10 for his performance and said he already had this year's Ballon d'Or award in the bag.
The 23-year-old believes United now have a fantastic opportunity to win the competition.
"I think we have a great chance. The team played fantastic. The team is more mature," he told ITV. "Of course, Manchester United want to win this season."
The result leaves Roma with a mighty challenge ahead of them at a ground where they lost 7-1 at this stage of the competition last year.
They can take encouragement from the fact that they had the English champions on the back foot for long spells of the game.
TYPICALLY ITALIAN
Indeed Roma coach Luciano Spalletti said his side were undone by a typically Italian combination of firm defence and ruthless exploitation of counter-attacks.
"Manchester United are the most Italian side I have seen play this year," Spalletti said, adding that Roma can still make the semi-finals.
"It will be hard at Old Trafford but we'll try to reverse the result anyway. I've already told the lads that anyone who doesn't believe it's possible can stay at home".
The Serie A side's chances seem to rest on striker Francesco Totti's return from a thigh injury.
Spalletti expressed guarded optimism about the recovery of his captain and of Brazilian defender Juan, who is sidelined with a foot problem.
"Francesco and Juan have both improved, I hope to have them for the return, although Francesco risks hurting himself (if he rushes back too early)," Spalletti told a news conference.
Manager Alex Ferguson told reporters that United will be ready for the Italian side with or without their skipper: "We know Totti's abilities. He's an inspirational figure for Roma. But we hope that at Old Trafford on a European night we'll be ready for it."
