Beckham waits as Genoa boost European hopes

David Beckham will not be in AC Milan's starting line-up against Roma in a Serie A clash on Sunday, according to Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti.

"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 for the match against Roma," said the Milan chief.

"He will play if he is in the right condition and if we consider he can give a positive contribution to the match.

Beckham is a great professional, very committed and we are all happy with him, even if he will only stay at Milan for two months."

The ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder was "ready to help out at Milan, we are happy he's with us even if he'll only be staying two months".

"If he then wants to stay with us, that would suit us very nicely, but his contract with the club is clear and I think he'll respect that."

Beckham, who is due to return to LA Galaxy in March, made his Milan debut in midweek when he played the first half of a friendly in Dubai against German side Hamburg.

Later Saturday, league leaders Inter Milan will look to extend their advantage to nine points over Juventus when they welcome Cagliari to the San Siro.

"In 2009 we need to improve everything, psychologically and tactically," said Inter coach Jose Mourinho.

"We are halfway through a season which could be positive, negative or exceptional."

Former Arsenal star Patrick Vieira will not appear for Inter and nor will the suspended Douglas Maicon though star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be playing.

Cagliari have central defensive problems due to the absence of Paolo Bianco and Diego Lopez.

Meanwhile, in Saturday's early match, Genoa boosted their chances of a place in Europe next season with a 3-0 home win over Torino with Giuseppe Biava, Bosko Jankovic and Thiago Motta on target.

ROME, Sunday, AFP