Roma coach Luciano Spalletti is determined to avenge last season's humiliation at Old Trafford when his team host Manchester United in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Both sides have already assured themselves a place in the last 16 of the competition, but the memory of their 7-1 demolition in the north-west which eliminated them from the tournament is still very much in their thoughts.

"To meet a club as important and prestigious as Manchester United, gives me a lot of motivation," said Spalletti.

"We will have to measure against their talent. I expect my players to interpret the game and to prove the maturity that this team has shown in recent weeks.

"We want to do well and if we manage to win this game, we will cancel out the 7-1 defeat that is still in the heads of our players and of our fans.

"We want to prove that we are a better side."

Sir Alex Ferguson has decided not to take Cristiano Ronaldo and captain Ryan Giggs with first place in Group F already clinched.

"If you look at Manchester United's team, there are no weaknesses," said Spalletti.

"Despite the absent players, they are a strong team. Hence, it makes no difference.

"They will make life difficult for us but we have to be ready."

Spalletti has warned his players to keep a close eye on England striker Wayne Rooney, who will captain the Red Devils.

"Rooney is a complete player," he said.

"He is not only deadly inside the area but he contributes to his team's play.

"He has strength, he is one of the strongest in his role."

The Giallorossi will be boosted by the presence of captain Francesco Totti, who returned to play in Sunday's 1-1 draw at Livorno after recovering from a foot injury sustained in October.

However, Roma have not been hindered by Totti's absence and have not suffered a defeat in all competitions since October 2 when they lost at Old Trafford.

Spalletti hopes the encounter will be a sporting celebration, unlike the ugly scenes which left United fans injured the last time the two teams met in the Italian capital.

"It's important that everyone who goes to the stadium behaves well," said Spalletti.

"I don't know exactly what happened in the stands that day but this sport needs to give an important message and we hope that is the case on Wednesday."

The hosts will be without defender Marco Cassetti, who serves a one-match ban, while centre-half Philippe Mexes has recovered from a knee injury and is available for selection.

Midfielders Simone Perrotta and Alberto Aquilani have been ruled out with injuries.

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