David Beckham set up two goals as AC Milan beat Lazio 3-0 in Rome to go second in Serie A on Sunday.
The result at the Stadio Olimpico left Milan with 44 points, six points behind leader and city rival Inter Milan, which drew 1-1 with Torino earlier in the day. Juventus slipped to third with 43, following its 3-2 loss to Cagliari on Saturday.
Beckham completed his first full 90 minutes for Carlo Ancelotti's team and created Milan's first two goals. It helped him secure a place in the squad for the UEFA Cup.
Milan's next UEFA Cup match is away to Werder Bremen on February 18 and Beckham will also still be available for the second leg on February 26.
"(Andrea) Pirlo is in great condition and with Beckham alongside him, it is a good balance. They are great players and help control the game," said Ancelotti.
"We held onto the ball and passed it well. We're in a good run of form, we're playing well and looking to the future with optimism," Ancelotti added.
Beckham's low cross in the 42nd minute found Pato unmarked in the Lazio box and the young Brazilian fired in his 10th goal of the season.
The England midfielder sent in a trademark free kick just after halftime and Massimo Ambrosini rose above the Lazio defense to put Milan into a 2-0 lead.
Kaka put the result beyond doubt seven minutes from time. He exchanged passes with Clarence Seedorf and ran on to slot the ball under Fernando Muslera.
Fourth-placed Genoa beat Palermo 1-0 at home.
AS Roma drew 2-2 at last-place Reggina.
Also on Sunday, it was: Atalanta 1, Catania 0; Chievo Verona 1, Sampdoria 1; Genoa 1, Palermo 0; and Siena 1, Lecce 2.
(Agencies via Shanghai Daily Feburary 3, 2009)
