Beckham scores his second goal with AC Milan

Never let it be said that David Beckham lacks a flair for the dramatic.  He accepted his current loan assignment to AC Milan in large part to impress England’s national soccer manager Fabio Capello that he still has the skills to wear the “three lions”, and in the process he’s become a favorite of his Italian teammates and the country’s media and fans.  With Capello in attendance for Milan’s game against Genoa at the San Siro, Beckham scored his second Serie A goal in as many games with one of his trademark unstoppable free kicks.  A late goal by Genoa and the eventual draw somewhat negated the storybook finish, but nevertheless Beckham’s career has been revitalized in Northern Italy.

Beckham is seeking his 108th International cap, which would match Bobby Moore’s record for an England outfield player.  Capello acknowledged that he was pleased by the display, but that he hasn’t made a decision on whether to include the former England captain in his future plans as of yet.  He offered this terse bit of praise to the Italian media:

''I must still decide, however I was happy with Beckham's performance yesterday. He seemed to be making progress from the previous games.''

Speaking at a soccer awards function later that evening, he again gave Beckham some praise though in the same terse manner:

''I was at the San Siro yesterday to check his performance and before that I had sent my assistants. He seems well integrated in the Milan team.''

His AC Milan coach, Carlo Ancelotti was more enthusiastic in his praise of Beckham’s effort calling it “another great game”.  Beckham has quickly become a favorite of the Italian fans and media, with leading Italian sports daily Gazzetta dello Sport offering this bit of effusive praise all but saying that the rest of the AC Milan team should start following the lead of their British superstar on loan:

"Beckham almost scored early on, then he found the net with a free-kick. He helps in defence, midfield and in attack. If all (Milan's players) battled like he does, Milan probably would not be looking up at Juve and Inter.''

Milan has been so pleased with Beckham’s performance that they’re trying to work out a deal with the LA Galaxy to make it permanent.  So far, the Galaxy has yet to agree but with Milan willing to pay handsomely for Beckham’s services it might just be a matter of coming up with a big enough offer.