David Beckham‘s AC Milan debut in its 2-2 draw at Roma Sunday drew both praise and scathing comment from the Italian media. Gazzetta dello Sport gave Beckham a six out of 10 rating and said that there was “nothing to show as a replay for a Pepsi ad. However, he sacrifices, he crosses, he strikes, helps with humility. As his first Serie A appearance, he did just enough.”
Corriere dello Sport said the highlight performances came from Roma’s Mirko Vucinic and Milan’s Alexandre Pato, who scored braces for their respective teams. “You expect Beckham,” said the paper, “and you find Vucinic and Pato.”
National newspaper Corriere della Sera focused on Beckham’s physical condition. “The key question prior to the match was how much time would Beckham have on his legs and the answer was 91, including the two minutes of added time in the first half. He is no [Gennaro] Gattuso, but he is not a figurine either.”