Milan`s frustration visible as Cremonese celebrates an unlikely victory.
The curtain rose on the Serie A season with an unexpected plot twist, leaving the San Siro faithful in a state of bewildered disarray. In a match that promised a triumphant return to the domestic stage for AC Milan, the newly promoted US Cremonese delivered a stunning 2-1 upset, powered by a truly spectacular goal from Federico Bonazzoli. For Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri, this marked an inauspicious and altogether unwanted hat-trick: his third consecutive opening day league defeat at the helm of the Rossoneri. Meanwhile, Cremonese manager Davide Nicola can only dream of a more encouraging start to their top-flight campaign.
A Masterpiece from an Unlikely Source
The undisputed highlight of the evening, and arguably the goal of the month (if not the season), arrived in the 61st minute. Following a crucial ball recovery by Baschirotto from Milan’s Alex Jimenez, Pezzella delivered a cross into the box. There, Federico Bonazzoli, displaying an acrobatic flair reminiscent of a seasoned veteran – perhaps even a nod to his former mentor Fabio Quagliarella – launched himself into a left-footed overhead kick. The ball sailed with precision, just a centimeter from the post, leaving Milan`s goalkeeper with no chance. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated footballing magic, made all the sweeter (or bitter, depending on your allegiance) by Bonazzoli`s past affiliation with Inter, adding a subtle, ironic touch of derby spice to Milan`s early-season woes.
Milan`s Muted Overture: A Symphony of Sluggishness
For the vast majority of the match, AC Milan appeared to be performing a slow, predictable waltz rather than a dynamic, attacking symphony. Their play lacked intensity and penetration, with Cremonese`s compact 5-3-2 formation proving surprisingly resilient. The Rossoneri struggled to convert possession into meaningful chances, leaving fans to wonder if they had accidentally wandered into a pre-season friendly. Even a brief, five-minute flicker of urgency between the 7th and 11th minutes of the second half, where they carved out four consecutive opportunities, ultimately proved futile. It was a fleeting illusion of life, quickly extinguished.
Amidst the general lethargy, one figure stood out, if only for his enduring class: Luka Modric. At 39 years and 11 months, the veteran midfielder was, by many accounts, Milan’s most effective player. His ability to dictate tempo and distribute the ball, even at a slower pace, served as a stark reminder of his unparalleled experience. Unfortunately for Milan, he seemed to be trying to conduct an orchestra seemingly determined to play out of tune. Others, such as Loftus-Cheek, Fofana, and the late-entering Alex Jimenez, struggled significantly, failing to make the desired impact.
The Goals: A Quick Recap of Misfortune and Magic
The goal-scoring opened in the 28th minute when Cremonese took the lead. Zerbin delivered a dangerous cross, finding Baschirotto unmarked. He outjumped Pavlovic to head the ball home, celebrating with a “Robocop” impression that quickly became a social media sensation. Milan found an equalizer in the dying moments of first-half injury time. Saelemaekers dispossessed Zerbin, and Estupinan`s left-footed cross found Pavlovic, who, having apparently taken a brief holiday in the opposition`s penalty area, headed in to level the score. However, as recounted earlier, the decisive blow came from Bonazzoli`s stunning overhead kick in the second half, sealing Milan`s fate.
San Siro`s Silence and the Whispers of Discontent
The atmosphere at the venerable San Siro spoke volumes, perhaps more than the match itself. While 3,500 jubilant Cremonese supporters provided a constant chorus of drums and cheers, Milan`s famed Curva Sud remained silent for much of the first half, engaging in a form of protest. This created an eerie, almost surreal backdrop to Milan`s struggles. The equalizer from Pavlovic momentarily staved off the half-time whistles, and a Modric-inspired flurry in the second half briefly galvanized the home crowd. Yet, as the final whistle blew, a collective groan erupted, giving way to an audible chorus of boos. Fans, walking out of the stadium, voiced a clear message: this start was unacceptable, and the team desperately needed reinforcements. With the transfer window still open and funds purportedly available, the calls for “Santa Claus in August” resonated through the Milanese night.
Conclusion: A Stark Wake-Up Call
This opening day defeat is more than just three lost points for AC Milan; it is a stark, early-season wake-up call. The sluggish performance, the defensive vulnerabilities, and the struggle to create against a determined, if less fancied, opponent raise immediate questions about the team`s readiness and tactical approach. For Massimiliano Allegri, the pressure begins early, as fans demand a swift response and decisive action in the transfer market. For Cremonese, it`s a dream start, a testament to their fighting spirit and the individual brilliance that can, on occasion, defy expectations. The Serie A season has just begun, and if this match is any indication, it promises to be anything but predictable.
