United truly kicked fascist #### in Rome this week. They headed south to pillage and conquer and did so without breaking a sweat. First came a brilliant header from Ronaldo in the 39th, then a "look Ma, no defense" by Rooney in the 66th.

The 2-0 win at the Stadio Olimpico made a big time statement to all comers.It reads like this: We are ranked #1 in the world for three reasons:
#1: Ronaldo
#2: We will beat you at your own game
#3: Ronaldo
 

Semis anyone?
Roma may be the only team in Europe that cringes at the sight of Sir Alex Ferguson's men
debarking a bus. They're just too familiar with one another. And they both know United has Roma's number. Sure the loss of Nemanja Vidic to a first-half knee injury hurts. But no more then a Francesco Totti-less Ultra side. But even with with his replacement Mirko Vucinic working hard to fill the gap, they came up short. And this time without bloodshed.

Given the family feud between these two sides, only a fool would bet against United securing a semi-final berth when the teams meet again next Wednesday at OT. But don't count out the Italian football spell.

The Serie-Assly slow Italian game.
I know Italians can play ball. After all, they're world champions. But I just can't bring myself to sitting through an entire Serie A match. It moves like molasses (until one side's defense crumbles, or someone faints) and there's no crowd in sight. Only riot police and reports of pre and apre match hooliganism.

Now I know why Zizou head butted his way out of the world cup. The Italians bored him into abject violence. I was actually surprised the entire Italian side didn't fall down in pain when it happened. Qualunque!

Fashion tip: In - United red. Out - riot gear (it's so last year).