Tuesday April 3, 1:11 PM
Totti determined to etch his name in Ferguson's memory
Roma captain Francesco Totti is determined to leave his mark on
Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final, first leg here against
Manchester United to ensure Sir Alex Ferguson never forgets his
name.
Ferguson caused outrage among Romans after he failed to mention
Totti when listing the Roma players he most admires.
The United coach cited midfielders Daniele De Rossi and Mancini as
their key men and completely overlooked the exalted number
10.
Totti, a born-and-bred Roman who enjoys god-like status in the
Eternal City, responded by giving Ferguson a stark warning ahead of
the Olympic stadium clash.
"I accept Ferguson's opinion of me, but he will see who Totti is
and I hope to make him remember me for a long time," said the
30-year-old Italian World Cup winner.
Ferguson feels getting to grips with Roma's strange formation will
be the key to success over the two legs.
The Italian side play with a five-man midfield with Totti, an
unorthodox striker, playing as a lone forward. However, the Roma
skipper tends to do his own thing, often dropping into midfield to
allow De Rossi, Mancini and Rodrigo Taddei to get forward.
"Roma's system is a key factor for us because they play without a
central striker," Ferguson said.
"We have the players who can adapt tactically, but we have to get
it right."
Totti believes Roma, who are almost certain to finish second in
Serie A this season, could not have picked a better time to face
the English Premiership leaders.
"Physically and mentally we are in good shape, and this tie has
come at the right moment for us," he said.
"There's no doubt that these two games will be difficult, but we
have everything we need to match them."
Roma have lacked self-belief is recent European campaigns, but the
current side are bristling with confidence after knocking Lyon out
in the previous round.
Lyon were tipped by many to win the competition, but after a 0-0
draw in Italy, Roma won 2-0 at the Stade de Gerland to end the
French champions' 18-match unbeaten home record in the Champions
League.
It was the first time Lyon had been beaten at home in European
competition since 2002 and took Roma through to the quarter-finals
of the Champions League for the first time.
Roma did, however, go all the way to the final of the old European
Cup in 1984 - effectively a home match as it was held at the
Olympic stadium - but they lost to Liverpool on penalties.
Despite their reputation as one of the most dangerous sides on the
Continent, United have struggled in the Champions League in recent
seasons, with this their first appearance in the last eight since
the 2002-03 season.
The Red Devis also have a poor record in Italy having won just
twice in 11 previous visits to the peninsula.
Roma are weakened by the loss of suspended Chilean playmaker David
Pizarro, while four of his team-mates are a booking away from
missing the second leg at Old Trafford.
Walking the disciplinary tightrope are Totti, midfielders De Rossi
and Simone Perrotta and defender Philippe Mexes.
Full-back Max Tonetto, who recently earned his first call-up for
Italy, is also on a booking but has almost certainly been ruled out
after suffering his left thigh.
Ferguson has problems in defence after Nemanja Vidic broke his
collarbone in Saturday's 4-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers.
The 25-year-old Serbian centre-back joins captain Gary Neville and
Frenchman Mikael Silvestre on the list of injured defenders.
The likeliest solution for Ferguson is to move Wes Brown into the
centre and put John O'Shea at right-back.
Looks like Roma players will make
ManU "remember" them one way or the other! PLS CARRY OUT WHAT THE
BELGIUMs SAID, BUT FAIL TO DO. hAHAHA.... 
