AC Milan’s new signing David Beckham applauds the fans during his presentation before their Serie A match against Udinese at the San Siro on Sunday. Milan won 5-1. — AFPpic
ROME: AC Milan seemed inspired by the presence of new loan signing David Beckham watching on from the stands as they blew away hapless Udinese 5-1 at the San Siro on Sunday night.
That ensured they moved into the three-week winter break, after which they will be able to call on the services of the former England captain, in third place in Serie A, nine points off leaders Inter Milan.
In between the bitter city rivals stand Juventus who cut Inter’s lead to six points earlier in the day as they won 3-1 at Atalanta.
Pato and Kaka both bagged a brace for for Milan and Dutch veteran Clarence Seedorf rounded things off while Antonio Di Natale replied for Udinese.
In Bergamo goals from Alessandro Del Piero and Nicola Legrottaglie gave Juve a 2-0 half-time lead but a firm header from veteran Christian Vieri against his former club made things interesting after the break until Amauri settled Juve’s nerves late on.
AS Roma’s recent resurgence came to an end in Sicily as Catania beat the capital-based side 3-2 thanks to a brace from Japan forward Takayuki Morimoto.
“We deserved to lose against Catania,” admitted Roma coach Luciano Spalletti.
“They were much better in the first half, they were well-organised and reacted well.”
Fiorentina kept up their Champions League charge with a narrow 1-0 win at Sampdoria courtesy of a goal from Riccardo Montolivo.
