Zenit to forget first-leg result against Liverpool

The Russian side hold a 2-0 lead heading into the second leg of their last-32 tie with the Reds at Anfield, but Spalletti has warned his players not to sit back as five-time European Cup champion Liverpool hopes to recreate the atmosphere of some of its most famous nights.

"We have to play the game as if it was 0-0 in the first game. We have to forget about the 2-0 scoreline," Spalletti said.

"We will have to control the match better and not pass the initiative to Liverpool too much.

"We need to be particularly prepared.

"Liverpool have a very good reputation for scoring in serious matches.

"Often having lost the first leg they have overcome the obstacle and gone on to win.

"Liverpool may push us back but we are going to follow the same tactics and strategy as last week."

Zenit is contesting the Europa League after being edged out of a UEFA Champions League group featuring Malaga and AC Milan.

Milan finished just a point ahead of Zenit, but Spalletti was not wondering what might have been as he prepared to watch the Italian giant face Barcelona.

"The team's experience is growing at this level. We have played quite a few matches in the Europa and Champions League.

"The players want to carry on gaining more experience and winning games."

Spalletti, who has won two Russian league titles in just over three years at the club, has not settled on a regular captain this season.

There has been speculation that Russia midfielder Roman Shirokov will be the next to take the armband, but Spalletti wanted to keep people guessing.

"We will see who grabs the armband first," he said at a press conference. "If it is Shirokov, he will be captain."

The tough-tackling and outspoken Shirokov - once branded the Joey Barton of Russia - suggested recently that he might like to move to one of Europe's bigger clubs.

But said that was not on his mind this week.

Sergei Semak, who scored Zenit's second goal in the first leg, suggested after the game that his side had been lucky to win as Liverpool had squandered a number of chances before Hulk opened the scoring after 69 minutes.

Shirokov said: "Obviously they had a few opportunities and we were lucky but it was hard work as well.

"We will work just as hard to create chances."