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| Line-ups: Beckham starts in Rome |
Sunday 11 January, 2009 |
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David Beckham is in the starting XI for Milan's showdown with Roma at the Olimpico this evening.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti had warned it was “very difficult” we would see the new signing begin the match, but he has surprisingly been picked in midfield.
One of the reasons is the injury to Massimo Ambrosini, who was struggling in training for the last few days.
He forms a very creative midfield with Andrea Pirlo and Clarence Seedorf, while Kaka and Ronaldinho support lone striker Alexandre Pato in the Christmas Tree formation.
Paolo Maldini and former Lazio full-back Giuseppe Favalli are the central defenders, as Milan are without Gennaro Gattuso, Daniele Bonera or Alessandro Nesta. Kakha Kaladze also pulled out with a potentially serious left knee problem.
Roma are still missing Francesco Totti, Max Tonetto and Jeremy Menez, while Christian Panucci is left on the bench after an injury.
Julio Baptista and Mirko Vucinic lead the line, while John Arne Riise is given another chance to win over the Roma fans.
Check back for half-time and full reports along with extensive post-match comments.
Roma: Doni; Cassetti, Mexes, Juan, Riise; De Rossi, Brighi; Taddei, Perrotta, Baptista; Vucinic
Milan: Abbiati; Zambrotta, Favalli, Maldini, Jankulovski; Beckham, Pirlo, Seedorf; Kakà, Ronaldinho; Pato
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Carlo Ancelotti insists “David Beckham is ready to play, but it will be difficult to start him” against Roma on Sunday night. More
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