The opening day of Italy`s Serie A typically serves up a feast of football, but for AC Milan and their loyal supporters, it was a bitter pill to swallow. In an unforeseen twist of fate, the Rossoneri succumbed to a resilient Cremonese side, marking a dismal start to their campaign and raising immediate questions about tactical choices and squad depth. This wasn`t merely a defeat; it was a statement – from the underdogs.
Dejection on the faces of AC Milan players as Cremonese celebrates a historic win at San Siro.
A Masterclass in Underdog Spirit
The stage was set at the iconic San Siro, usually a fortress for the Milanese giants. Expectations were, as always, stratospheric for AC Milan, while newly promoted Cremonese, under the astute guidance of Davide Nicola, were widely considered the plucky outsiders. What unfolded, however, defied the script. Cremonese, employing a disciplined 5-3-2 formation, proved to be a stubborn opponent, frustrating Milan`s attempts to assert their dominance. Their tactical approach was not about flash, but about efficiency and unwavering resolve – a testament to the old adage that “the sum is greater than its parts.”
The visitors drew first blood in the 28th minute. A well-placed cross found **Baschirotto**, who, with surprising agility, outmaneuvered the Milan defense to head home the opener. It was a goal that ignited the away end and sent a ripple of unease through the vast San Siro crowd. Milan, initially slow to react, managed to claw back an equalizer just before halftime, with **Pavlovic** converting from a Saelemaekers cross. This fleeting moment of parity, however, only served to set the stage for Cremonese`s dramatic decider.
Bonazzoli`s Bicycle Kick: A Goal for the Ages
The game`s defining moment arrived in the 61st minute, courtesy of **Federico Bonazzoli**. After Baschirotto dispossessed Jimenez, Pezzella delivered a cross into the box. What followed was a moment of pure footballing artistry: Bonazzoli, an ex-Inter player (a detail surely not lost on the Milan faithful), executed a breathtaking left-footed bicycle kick that flew past the goalkeeper and into the net. It was the kind of goal that will be replayed for years, a testament to individual brilliance that single-handedly altered the trajectory of the match and perhaps, the season`s narrative for both clubs. For Cremonese, it was a “goal of the month” contender on day one. For Milan, it was a dagger to the heart.
Milan`s Familiar Opening Day Woes
For AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri, this defeat marked an unwelcome hat-trick: his third consecutive opening day league loss while at the helm of the Rossoneri. A curious pattern, indeed, suggesting a particular vulnerability in early season form. The team`s performance was consistently described as **”slow and predictable.”** Despite having possession, Milan struggled to break down Cremonese`s well-organized defense, managing only a brief five-minute flurry of opportunities early in the second half.
Even the evergreen **Luka Modric**, at a remarkable 39 years and 11 months old, stood out as Milan`s most effective player, showcasing his enduring class amidst a largely uninspired performance from his teammates. One might ponder the peculiar irony of a veteran midfielder, renowned for his exquisite passing and vision, being the sole beacon of light in a team of supposedly younger, hungrier talents. Other key players like Loftus-Cheek were deemed “soft,” Fofana “imprecise,” and Alex Jimenez made a “poor entry.” The overall impression was one of a team still searching for its rhythm, its identity, and perhaps, its very soul.
San Siro`s Silence and the Call for Reinforcements
The atmosphere at San Siro painted a stark picture of the unfolding drama. While Cremonese`s 3,500 traveling fans filled the stadium with jubilant drums and chants (a violin, perhaps, for another occasion), Milan`s famed Curva Sud remained silent in protest, amplifying the visitors` celebrations. As the final whistle blew, the initial silence of the Milan faithful gave way to a chorus of boos, a clear expression of their profound disappointment.
The message from the stands was unequivocal: this team needs help, and it needs it fast. With the transfer window still open, many fans believe the club`s coffers hold sufficient funds, if only the will to spend them were present. This opening day upset serves as a potent reminder that in Serie A, every point counts, and complacency, even against perceived lesser opponents, can lead to painful, unexpected consequences. Cremonese, meanwhile, can revel in a historic victory that will undoubtedly fuel their season with confidence and ambition.
Murray Blackwood