ROME (AP) - David Beckham won't start in his Serie A debut Sunday against AS Roma, Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti said Saturday.

"Beckham is ready to play even though he's been inactive for two months, but it's difficult to start him in the match against Roma," the ANSA news agency quoted Ancelotti as saying.

Ancelotti stressed that the former England captain, who is on a three-month loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy, was "ready to give an important contribution" to the Milan squad, and would be welcome to stay on after his loan expires.

Former Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas has speculated that the star may quit the MLS team after his loan and remain with Milan. Beckham spokesman Simon Oliveira has said Beckham was committed to returning to the Galaxy in March for the start of the MLS season.

Beckham made his debut for Milan in a friendly against German club Hamburg on Tuesday.