The curtain rose on a new Serie A season with all the usual fanfare and anticipation. For AC Milan, San Siro was poised for a triumphant opening act against newly promoted Cremonese. What unfolded, however, was less a celebration and more a startling reality check. In a result that sent ripples across Italian football, the Rossoneri succumbed to a surprising 1-2 defeat, leaving fans bewildered and critics questioning the immediate future.
The Unlikely Heroes and a Moment of Brilliance
Cremonese, operating with the tactical discipline typical of a Davide Nicola side, arrived in Milan not just to make up the numbers, but to make a statement. Their approach, a steadfast 5-3-2 defensive block, proved an immediate challenge for Milan`s attacking ambitions.
The deadlock was broken in the 28th minute. A cross from Zerbin found its way to Baschirotto, who, seemingly untroubled, nodded home to give Cremonese an unexpected lead. Milan, shaken but not yet stirred, found a temporary reprieve just before the break. In the sole minute of first-half injury time, a determined steal by Saelemaekers led to Estupinan`s delivery, which was met by Pavlovic`s head, levelling the score and offering a glimmer of hope.
However, the true moment of magic, and indeed the defining goal of the match, arrived in the 56th minute. Following a robust tackle by Baschirotto, Pezzella delivered a cross into the box. There, Federico Bonazzoli, a player with an Inter connection, conjured a spectacular overhead kick. A left-footed scissor kick, executed with surgical precision, nestled into the net, leaving the entire stadium, including Milan’s bewildered defense, in awe. It was a goal instantly earmarked for “Goal of the Month” contention, a poetic twist for a player often praised for his flair but not always his consistency.
Milan`s Lament: A Performance Lacking Spark
For large swathes of the match, AC Milan appeared sluggish and predictable, a team struggling to ignite. Their passing lacked incision, their movement off the ball lacked urgency, and their overall offensive creativity was conspicuously absent against Cremonese`s well-drilled defense. While there was a brief five-minute flurry of activity early in the second half, generating four consecutive chances, these opportunities went begging.
The veteran Croatian maestro, Luka Modric, at 39 years and 11 months, paradoxically stood out as Milan`s most influential player. His ability to dictate play and unlock defenses, even at a slower pace, served as a stark contrast to the struggles of his younger teammates. Yet, even his brilliance was insufficient to overcome the collective lethargy. Players such as Loftus-Cheek seemed tentative, Fofana`s finishing was notably imprecise, and Alex Jimenez struggled to make a positive impact after coming on. It was, by all accounts, a thoroughly disappointing start to the campaign.
San Siro`s Silent Protest and Growing Discontent
The atmosphere at San Siro, often a cauldron of passion, mirrored the team`s lackluster performance. A reported strike by the Curva Sud, Milan`s ardent ultra group, meant that for significant portions of the first half, the voices of the 3,500 travelling Cremonese fans were the dominant sound in the vast stadium. Pavlovic`s equalizer temporarily averted whistles at halftime, and Milanisti found their voice briefly at the start of the second period, spurred by Modric`s efforts. But as Bonazzoli`s stunning strike sealed Milan`s fate, a palpable silence descended, eventually giving way to boos and whistles at the final whistle. The message from the terraces was clear: fans expect more, and they expect it now.
This sentiment quickly translated into demands for immediate action in the transfer market. With the window still open, many believe the squad, particularly in defense and attack, requires urgent reinforcements. The club, it is noted, possesses the financial means to address these deficiencies, provided there is the will to spend.
Allegri`s Recurring Opening Day Blues
For Massimiliano Allegri, this defeat marks an unfortunate and rather consistent pattern: his third consecutive opening day loss with AC Milan in the league. While the season is long and early setbacks are not always indicative of an entire campaign, such a dismal start against a newly promoted side certainly raises questions. Davide Nicola, on the other hand, can revel in a victory that provides an immense psychological boost for Cremonese`s challenging Serie A journey.
As the dust settles on this surprising Serie A opener, AC Milan finds itself grappling not just with a defeat, but with a performance that suggests deeper issues. The road ahead is long, but the journey has begun with an unexpected stumble, leaving many to wonder what lessons will be learned from Cremonese`s audacious coup.
