Italian media hail Roma victory

By James Eve

ROME (Reuters) - Italy's sporting press were unanimous in praising AS Roma's 2-1 win over Manchester United in Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final, first leg.

"Roma has made another historic step forward, has another victory that no-one will forget, and has laid down the foundations to add a few more," Corriere dello Sport said of Wednesday's match at Rome's Olympic Stadium.

Roma had never reached the knockout stage of the competition until this season but dominated the more experienced United after the 34th-minute sending-off of midfielder Paul Scholes in a match marred by clashes between United fans and police.

"Could Roma have made more of their one-man advantage, winning by a bigger margin, or being more precise and less rushed with the ball?" added Corriere.

"Probably. But it shouldn't be forgotten that (Luciano) Spalletti's team dominated almost uninterruptedly a team that is held to be among the best -- if not the best -- in Europe."

La Gazzetta dello Sport described Roma's performance as "beautiful, at times magic", though it admitted the return leg at Old Trafford next Tuesday would be tough.

It drew hope, however, not just for Roma but also for the other Italian side involved in the quarter-finals, AC Milan, by drawing a parallel between this season's Champions League and last year's World Cup.

"After the early elimination of the favourites, the way has been opened for teams that are solid in defence, lacking in style, but dangerous on the break.