TIME MACHINE: DAVID BECKHAM IN BOLOGNA v AC MILAN

Bologna v AC Milan is our first match of the 2023/24 Serie A Campaign. We are ready, the championship starts here, and we are back in business after a summer of upheaval for the Rossoneri. We'll take to the pitch at the Dall'Ara, the stadium where we have remained unbeaten for the last 21 years (10 March 2002). As we get closer and closer to kick-off, we have chosen to relive David Beckham's performance in Bologna v AC Milan, on 25 January 2009. A match won 4-1 by the Rossoneri, in which the Englishman absolutely starred. 

Beckham's first Rossonero loan had only just started, the match against Bologna was his third appearance in the AC Milan shirt. His debut came two weeks earlier at the Stadio Olimpico against Roma (2-2), followed by the home victory over Fiorentina and then, on the 20th matchday of the 2008/09 season, his third appearance at the Dall'Ara. AC Milan had just secured Kaká's signature after he declined Manchester City's offer and took to the pitch with the aim of keeping the Rossonero within breathing distance of Inter and Juventus. In Carlo Ancelotti's 4-2-3-1, Beckham operated as the left Mezzala, completing the midfield three with Pirlo and Ambrosini. Bologna took the advantage initially with a penalty from Di Vaio, but it didn't take AC Milan long to get back on tracks. Thanks to Seedorf's equalisier and Kaká's brace, the first from the spot for 2-1 and the second from Pato's assist. 

Strengthened by the two-goal lead, the Rossoneri controlled the match and found a fourth, through Beckham. Seedorf danced towards the edge of the area, finding David bursting through on the overlap. Despite the narrow angle, David shot hard and high, smashing it past the goalkeeper at the near-post: The first Rossoneri goal for the Englishman on his third appearance. A rapid adjustment to life in Milan, a strong bond with the team and the colours that ignited immediately. "Playing for Milan is special, scoring too. I'm enjoying this experience, I'm at one of the most important clubs in the world," he told Sky at the end of the match. 

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