David Beckham scored his first goal in AC Milan colours as he helped his side to a comprehensive 4-1 victory over 10-man Bologna . Beckham scored the final goal in the rout after Clarence Seedorf and two Kaka strikes – the first from the penalty spot – had cancelled out Marco Di Vaio’s early spot-kick.
Bologna were not helped by the 40th-minute dismissal of Gaby Mudingayi for two bookable offences. Beckham – on loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy until March 9 – is clearly enjoying life with the Rossoneri.
“I can’t say what will happen,” he said. “Even if my contract says that I’ll be here until March. We’ll have to see. At the moment I’m enjoying this experience. I’m at one of the biggest clubs in the world. And having won gives us confidence to continue.”
Milan moved up to third, six points behind leaders Inter Milan who beat Sampdoria 1-0 in Sunday’s late game. Adriano got the goal on the stroke of half-time, moments after Inter boss Jose Mourinho had been sent to the stands for confronting the referee.
Juventus had moved level with Inter at the top by beatingFiorentina courtesy of Claudio Marchisio’s 21st-minute goal.
Milan moved two points clear of Genoa, who were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Catania. The hosts lost Matteo Ferrari to a red card soon after the hour mark and Catania quickly capitalised to lead through Jorge Martinez. But Diego Milito’s 13th goal of the season rescued a point for Genoa.
Roma gave their fading hopes of Champions League football next season a significant shot in the arm with a 3-0 mauling of fellow hopefuls Napoli. Philippe Mexes opened the scoring in the 18th minute and Juan doubled the lead just after the half-hour mark. Mirko Vucinic then made it three five minutes after half-time. The win moved Roma up to sixth, level on points with Genoa in fifth.
The news for neighbours Lazio was not so good as they were upset 4-1 at home by Cagliari. The Romans had led through Tommaso Rocchi’s early goal but then saw Cagliari storm ahead with a brace from Jeda and further goals from Robert Acquafresca and Alessandro Matri all arriving before half-time.
Palermo capitalised to move above Lazio into eighth place by beating Udinese 3-2, who squandered an early lead and missed a penalty. The visitors led through Simone Pepe’s second-minute free-kick but Fabio Simplicio levelled for Palermo before Fabio Quagliarella struck the bar from the penalty spot. Simplicio and then Edinson Cavani put Palermo in control before Antonio di Natale pulled one back. Palermo’s Federico Balzaretti was sent off late on but there was no way back for Udinese.
Torino twice battled back to earn a point from a 3-3 draw at Lecce. Gianni Munari’s first-half brace looked to have put the home team in control, but Jurgen Saumel and Hernan Dellafiore struck early in the second half to get Toro back on level terms. Jose Castillo again put the Salentini ahead in the 73rd minute only for Cesare Natali to restore parity for the visitors.
Sunday’s other game saw Mario Frick’s goal give Siena all three points from their clash with Atalanta. Reggina announced that Beppe Pillon has been sacked with Nevio Orlandi returning to the post he was ousted from last month. The news comes after Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Chievo which left Reggina at the foot of the Serie A table.
