The autumn air at San Siro, thick with a light mist and a sprinkle of rain, wasn`t enough to dampen the spirits of Inter Milan as they delivered a resounding 4-1 victory over a previously unbeaten Cremonese side. This wasn`t just another win; it was a clear declaration of intent, a performance that showcased the exciting new direction under coach Cristian Chivu and heralded the arrival of a new star: Ange Yoan Bonny.
Ange Yoan Bonny celebrates with teammates after scoring Inter Milan`s second goal against Cremonese.
Bonny`s Unforgettable Debut as the “New Ball”
Stepping into the considerable boots of a player like Thuram, Bonny, affectionately dubbed “La Bola” (Portuguese for “The Ball”) by some, didn`t just play; he dominated. In his first start, the forward from Aubervilliers put on a devastating display, netting a crucial goal and providing an astonishing three assists. His performance was a masterclass in dynamic attacking play, demonstrating why coach Chivu placed such faith in him. It seems San Siro has found a new favorite to chant for, and opponents a new enigma to decipher.
The philosophy of coach Chivu was evident from the opening whistle: high pressing, relentless aggression, and incisive vertical play. Just thirty seconds in, Davide Frattesi narrowly missed a chance from a Federico Dimarco cross, signaling Inter`s intent. It took only six minutes for the Nerazzurri to convert this philosophy into tangible results. A miscontrol by Cremonese`s Sanabria was swiftly capitalized upon by Nicolò Barella, who then unleashed Bonny with a sublime outside-of-the-foot pass. The subsequent finish from Lautaro Martinez marked his fifth goal of the season, a clinical execution that made it look effortless.
A Symphony of Goals: Chivu`s Blueprint in Action
Bonny wasn`t just a facilitator; he joined the scoring party himself in the 38th minute, powerfully heading home a cross from Dimarco. This wasn`t a lucky strike but a meticulously constructed goal, initiated from Inter`s formidable left flank. The action saw Alessandro Bastoni drawing defensive pressure wide, creating the vital space for Dimarco to surge forward and deliver a pinpoint assist. It was a textbook example of Chivu`s emphasis on intelligent space occupation and fluid offensive movement.
Indeed, the left flank proved to be Inter`s “strong side” throughout the match, a recurring theme that yielded further dividends in the second half. Much like a well-drilled football team from a Denzel Washington film, Inter consistently leveraged their left. In the 55th minute, Dimarco, having been set up by Bonny, unleashed a fierce left-footed strike from outside the box that found the back of the net, leaving Cremonese goalkeeper Silvestri with little chance. Just two minutes later, Barella added to the tally, once again assisted by the irrepressible Bonny after another expertly crafted move from the left wing. One can only imagine what the score might have been had Silvestri not pulled off several impressive saves, preventing what could have easily been an even wider margin.
A Minor Blemish on an Otherwise Perfect Evening
The only slight imperfection in Inter`s otherwise dominant performance came late in the game. In the 87th minute, a loose ball lost by Diouf in Inter`s half was seized by the evergreen Jamie Vardy, leading to an attack that culminated in a goal for Cremonese`s former Nerazzurro, Federico Bonazzoli, assisted by Vandeputte. It was a momentary lapse, perhaps explaining why Diouf has only seen limited minutes this season. Chivu, ever the pragmatist, will undoubtedly use the upcoming international break to fine-tune these small details.
With this emphatic 4-1 victory, Inter Milan, under the dynamic leadership of Cristian Chivu, continues its impressive run, now boasting five consecutive wins across league and Champions League fixtures. They are not merely winning; they are doing so with an exciting, attacking brand of football that has firmly put the “Sea of Inzaghi” behind them. As they temporarily claim the top spot in the league standings, awaiting the outcome of Juve-Milan, the Nerazzurri have sent a clear message: they are a formidable force, playing with renewed vigor and tactical sophistication. Cremonese, despite their unbeaten start, left San Siro with no violins to play, having been decidedly outmaneuvered.
