Mixed reaction to Beckham bow

David Beckham's first appearance in Italy drew both praise and cynicism in the country's media today.

The England midfielder made a surprise start and played almost the entire game in AC Milan's 2-2 draw at Roma.

Gazzetta dello Sport gave Beckham a six out of 10 in its game ratings and offered a humorous remark about the loan signing from the LA Galaxy.

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"He played for 90 minutes, which no-one expected," the Milan-based publication said.

"But 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 highlighted the performances of goalscorers Mirko Vucinic and Alexandre Pato.

"You expect Beckham," said the paper, "and you find Vucinic and Pato.

"On the night of the Serie A debut of the English star, it's the Montenegrin (Vucinic) and the Brazilian (Pato) that decide with a brace apiece."

National newspaper Corriere della Sera focused on Beckham's physical condition.

"Beckham plays, Pato scores," the paper said. "The six-star Milan (Kaka, Ronaldinho, Pato, Clarence Seedorf, Andrea Pirlo and Beckham) draws at Roma.

"The Spice Boy stays on the pitch for almost 91 minutes."

The Milan-based newspaper rates the midfielder with a six, stating: "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 (AC Milan midfielder Gennaro) Gattuso, but he is not a figurine either."