Italians hail Roma Gods

"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 Stadio Olimpico.

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?" asked 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, 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.

"It's the spirit that is pushing Roma on and - in a certain way - is also keeping Milan on track."

The only cool note was struck by Turin-based Tuttosport, which rued Roma's "lack of killer instinct" and said the result was "a very narrow victory compared to what it could, and maybe should, have been".

"It will be like playing roulette," said the paper, as it looked forward to the return leg at Old Tafford next Tuesday.