Roma stars dive in on Ronaldo

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.”