Roma stars warn Ronaldo

April 02, 2007

WING WIZARD: Cristiano Ronaldo in action against Middlesbrough

ROMA players Christian Panucci and Mancini have warned Cristiano Ronaldo he cannot expect "protection" from the referee when the Italians host Manchester United on Wednesday.

The sides meet in the Champions League quarter-final first leg this week and former Chelsea and Italy full-back Panucci said: "Ronaldo's class is unquestionable. But I believe he abuses his dribbling talents and always exaggerates his falls.

"A lot will depend on the referee but in Roma Ronaldo will not be daring enough to do it because we will not fall for his tricks."

Brazilian attacker Mancini, also quoted in the Daily Mail, added: "I've watched Premier League matches and he is protected by referees. I don't think he will be on Wednesday."

What do you think? Have your say.

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Davey Boy, Kuwait (02/04/2007 at 12:41)

Got to laugh at the italians ...the inventors of the diving and feigning injury culture....warning CR that he won't be protected by the ref. and as for Totti sounds a bit like jealousy here, the ranting of someone who was never thought good enough to come and play in the PL! to be honest all the times I have seen him play including the WC he is not been that impressive! Agree totally with the comments we shouldn't try an play the italians at there own game we should defo play to our strengths and we should also watch out for Rooney as they will know how to wind him up...CR no problem he will just shred 'em he is too quick for them!

monsoon jim, kuala lumpur (02/04/2007 at 12:58)

Is it any wonder that the global following for Italian football is rapidly falling with attitudes like Panucci's.

Birdy, Ireland (02/04/2007 at 13:21)

Spot on Davey. The Italians are the masters are feigning fouls and injuries. Theyre clearly frightened of Ronaldo. How many Utd players have been mouthing out of them in the buildup? None. Ronaldo doesn't need protection, he can take care of himself. Besides they wont catch him. And if theyre so obsessed with him then great, whilst theres 2 or 3 has beens and never weres running after him there will be plenty of space for the rest of our lads to exploit

Demo, Glossop (02/04/2007 at 13:53)

ha hello kettle my names pot! if anyone knows about play acting and diving its the italians! i read that they think ronnie wont try and dribble past em or do any of his tricks - if they think that they are in for a rude awakening as he skins them! this is the game for him, rooney and carrick to show true worth as players. Lets go out and wipe the grins off their cheesy faces with a nice victory

Alias Smith, over the moon (02/04/2007 at 14:07)

This is just mind games from the Italians. They know how much of a thread CR is. Let them continue to focus on him exclusively - Scholes, Giggs and Rooney can do the damage while they're pre-occupied by our flying number 7.

de Meester, netherlands (02/04/2007 at 14:41)

What kind of rubbish comments are they!
Oh but of course it's an italian club.
They make up,the rules to suit themselves!

Anthony, Hamilton,Ontario,Canada (02/04/2007 at 16:33)

I don't care much about comments like these, but very glad he's attracting attention. United should worry about their own game. Roma are a very good team, but so are United and this calls for a very good match.

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