AC Milan's Ronaldinho was banned for three Italian Cup matches on Friday after video evidence showed him using an elbow during Lazio's 2-1 extra time win in their last 16 match in December.

The Italian league announced the verdict in a statement having waited two months to decide because it was waiting for the completion of the round.

Ronaldinho was on the ball when he swung an elbow at Lazio defender David Rozehnal, but the incident was missed by the referee.

The Italian Cup has never been a priority to Milan but he will miss the first match of next season's competition. If the Rossoneri are knocked out early, his ban will be rolled over to the following season.