Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier has been handed the UEFA Cup draw he dreaded - Serie A leaders Roma in the fourth round next February.

Houllier said: "Roma were the side we most wanted to avoid. Of the 16 teams left they are the best."

Curiously, Roma manager Fabio Capello said almost the same about Liverpool: "Liverpool are without doubt the opponents we least wanted. They are the most dangerous team left."

The first leg will be played in Rome on February 15th, with the second leg at Anfield seven days later. The return leg should have been in Rome but UEFA insisted on a switch as Lazio are involved in a Champions League tie on February 21st.

Liverpool have marvellous memories of Rome - winning the European Cup there twice. They defeated Borussia Moenchengladbach in 1977 and then Roma in 1984 after a penalty shoot-out.