Milan derby to be screened live on BBC?
442 Staff - Friday 06 February 2009, 13:30
According to FourFourTwo sources in Italy, the second Serie A Milan derby of the season at the San Siro on Sunday February 15 will be screened live in England on the BBC.
Interest in Carlo Ancelotti's side has sky-rocketed since England and LA Galaxy midfielder David Beckham joined on loan in January.
And the former Manchester United and Real Madrid man has made a stunning start to life in Italy, scoring twice – including a trademark free-kick against Genoa – as well as assisting two other goals for the Giallorossi.
The two sides currently lead the way in Serie A, with Inter - managed by Jose Mourinho and due to face Manchester United in the Champions League later this month - six points ahead of second-placed AC, with Manchester City target Kaka still among their ranks alongside fellow Brazilians Ronaldinho and Alex Pato.
Beckham was back in the UK this week, playing 45-minutes for Milan in an exhibition friendly against Rangers at Ibrox, with the Glasgow giants reputed to have paid Milan more than £250,000 to spend fewer than 24 hours in Scotland – yet still thought to have made a profit.
After the 2-2 draw, Beckham confirmed speculation that he wished to end his five-year £125million deal with LA Galaxy in favour of joining the Italian outfit permanently and fight for a place in Fabio Capello's England squad at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
"I’ve expressed my desire to stay with Milan,” he said. “The matter is out of my hands but I hope I can stay. I’ve made it clear now that it is my intention to stay with the club, so we’ll have to wait and see.
“I want to stay because this is one of the biggest clubs in the world. Playing for Milan has been an incredible experience for me — better than I thought it would be.
"I’ve been welcomed into the team incredibly well, I’ve been made to feel at home, and it has made me want to stay. Confidence-wise and physical-wise, this has been one of the best things to happen to me.”
Beckham will make his 108th appearance for his country should he take part in England's friendly with Spain in Seville next week, matching World Cup-winning skipper Bobby Moore.