ROME, Jan 12: David Beckham was named in AC Milan’s starting line-up for his Serie A debut against AS Roma at the Olympic Stadium here on Sunday.

The former England skipper, on loan at the Italian giants from LA Galaxy, had been expected to be on the bench.

However, he was named by coach Carlo Ancelotti in the starting eleven in place of France midfielder Mathieu Flamini. Beckham’s two-month loan stint at Milan has often dominated the sports news since it was first announced back in late October.

“Beckham is ready to play, but he’s coming out of two months of inactivity, so it’s difficult to name him as a starter (Sunday) for the match against Roma,” said Ancelotti.

“He is ready to help out and at Milan we are happy he’s with us even if he’ll only be staying two months.—AFP