The curtain rose on the new Serie A season with all the usual fanfare, but for AC Milan, the opening act quickly devolved into a theatrical tragedy. What was meant to be a triumphant return to San Siro for the Rossoneri turned into a humbling 2-1 defeat against newly-promoted Cremonese, a result delivered with a flourish by Federico Bonazzoli`s extraordinary overhead kick. This wasn`t just a loss; it was a statement – a stark reminder that in football, the script is rarely written in advance, especially when a determined underdog steps onto the grandest stage.
A Slow Start for the Rossoneri
Expectations were high for AC Milan as they kicked off their campaign, but from the first whistle, it became clear that the gears of the Rossoneri machine were grinding rather than flowing. The home side appeared sluggish and predictable, struggling to break down Cremonese`s disciplined 5-3-2 defensive setup. Coach Allegri, overseeing his third consecutive opening day defeat with Milan, watched as his team lacked the customary pace and incision typically associated with a Serie A giant.
Despite periods of possession, Milan`s attacking endeavors felt blunted. Opportunities were scarce, and the rhythm of their play was dictated more by a cautious tempo than a pressing desire to overwhelm their opponents. Even the ageless Luka Modric, a figure of enduring class and vision at 39 years old, found himself largely isolated, his moments of brilliance serving only to highlight the collective lack of dynamism around him. One might almost say he was too good for the pace of the game, a Ferrari stuck in rush-hour traffic.
Cremonese`s Clinical Counterpunch
Cremonese, meanwhile, arrived at San Siro not merely to make up the numbers but to announce their return to the top flight with conviction. Their defensive solidity was matched by a clinical edge when opportunities arose. The visitors opened the scoring in the 28th minute when Zerbin`s cross found an unmarked Baschirotto, who headed home to give Cremonese a surprising lead. It was a goal born from a defensive lapse, leaving Milan`s rearguard looking somewhat disoriented.
Milan managed to claw their way back just before halftime. A moment of individual enterprise saw Saelemaekers dispossess Zerbin, leading to Estupinan delivering a cross that Pavlovic met with a header to level the score. The brief equalizer offered a glimmer of hope, suggesting Milan might finally impose their will after the break. Alas, it was a false dawn.
The Moment of Magic: Bonazzoli`s Bicycle Kick
The defining moment of the match arrived in the 61st minute, a sequence that will undoubtedly be replayed in highlight reels for seasons to come. Baschirotto, already on the score sheet, pressed high to win the ball from Gimenez. The ball found its way to Pezzella, who delivered a precise cross into the box. There, Federico Bonazzoli, a player with a history, notably as a former Inter youth product, defied gravity and expectation. With an acrobatic, left-footed overhead kick, he sent the ball sailing past the Milan goalkeeper and into the net. It was a goal of sheer audacity and perfect execution, leaving the San Siro faithful stunned and Cremonese players in rapturous celebration.
This “goal of the month” contender wasn`t just beautiful; it was psychologically devastating for Milan. The remaining half-hour saw a limited response from the Rossoneri, who struggled to craft meaningful chances, with only a few speculative shots testing the Cremonese defense. A header from Gimenez in the dying minutes, saved on the line, was perhaps their closest attempt at salvaging a point.
Fan Frustration and Market Demands
The atmosphere at San Siro was telling. While 3,500 traveling Cremonese supporters made their presence felt with joyous chants and drums (a violin would have been more appropriate for their city, but perhaps next time), the famed Curva Sud of Milan remained largely silent due to an ongoing protest, eventually giving way to a chorus of whistles at the final whistle. The sentiment among the Milan faithful was clear: this soft start to the season was unacceptable, and the team appeared to be in urgent need of reinforcement.
With the transfer window still open for another week, the calls for immediate action from the club`s management are likely to intensify. Fans are questioning the squad`s depth and attacking prowess, particularly after witnessing such a lethargic performance against a newly-promoted side. The defeat serves as an uncomfortable reality check, forcing Milan to confront their shortcomings early in what promises to be a challenging Serie A campaign.
Cremonese`s stunning victory over AC Milan is more than just three points; it`s a testament to the unpredictable drama of football and a potential catalyst for both clubs. For Cremonese, it`s a dream start and a massive confidence boost, propelling them into the season with an unexpected surge of momentum. For Milan, it`s an early crisis, demanding introspection and decisive action from both the coaching staff and the board. The season is long, but this opening fixture has already written an unforgettable chapter, with Federico Bonazzoli`s acrobatic artistry taking center stage and leaving the footballing world to wonder: what else does Serie A have in store?
