Panucci Wants Roma-Manchester United Champions League Final

Roma were humiliated by the reigning English and European champions in the Uefa Champions League two seasons ago, when they were eliminated 8-3 on aggregate in the quarter finals.

This included a disastrous 7-1 defeat in the second leg at Old Trafford in Manchester, which embarrassed the players, the supporters, and the club.

In this season's edition of the competition, the Giallorossi got off to a dreadful start, with a shock 2-1 defeat at home against the Romanian debutants Cluj, however to their credit, they fought back well after that, to grab top spot ahead of Chelsea, whom they defeated 3-1 at the Stadio Olimpico.

For the first time in thirteen years the Champions League final returns to Rome this season, and Roma’s Christian Panucci would like to mark the occasion with his side making it all the way; preferably against Manchester United.

“We would all love to make the final this season, and many have said that they would love to play Liverpool, to avenge the defeat of 1984,” Panucci declared in an interview with Sky.

“For me however, I want Manchester United, as a win against them could erase the curse of the 7-1 defeat forever,” he added.

“If it were to go to penalties – as it did in 1984 – then yes I’d love to take one.

“Although perhaps not the last, as I have had a fine career and would not want any error like that to haunt me for the next 20 years,” he concluded.

Panucci’s statements are quite bold, as the capital club still have a long way to go if they wish to make it all the way.

Their quest for glory continues on February 24, when they face Arsenal at the Emirates in London.

Adrian Del Monte