Debate: Why Beckham may not make it to his 108th England cap

David Beckham's surprise debut for AC Milan has drawn a mixed reaction from the Italian media this morning.

The former England captain was, contrary to all expectation, selected in Milan's starting line-up for the 2-2 draw away to Roma and his first appearance in Serie A, has attracted both praise and cynicism.

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

"He played for 90 minutes, which no-one expected," the Milan-based newspaper said. "But there was nothing he could show as a replay for his next 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."

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 in 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."