AC Milan endured a shocking start to their Serie A 2025/2026 campaign, falling 2–1 at home to newly promoted Cremonese on 23 August 2025. Federico Baschirotto headed the opener from a set-piece, Strahinja Pavlović equalized late in the first half, but Federico Bonazzoli’s stunning overhead kick sealed a memorable win for Cremonese—just their second Serie A victory in Milan. This AC Milan vs Cremonese match report highlights how the giants slipped, giving the minnows a rare Scudetto statement.
Match Overview
Goals & Scoring Timeline
- 28′ – Federico Baschirotto nets from a header off a corner after Milan’s defence fails to clear effectively.
- 45+2′ – Strahinja Pavlović heads home after a superb lofted pass from Pervis Estupiñán, restoring parity just before halftime.
- 61′ – Federico Bonazzoli delivers a moment of brilliance—a bicycle kick past Mike Maignan, consigning AC Milan to defeat.
Key Moments & Turning Points
Santiago Giménez initially thought he’d opened the scoring, but VAR ruled his effort out for offside—a let-off that swung momentum Cremonese’s way. Baschirotto’s header stemmed from growing tension in the Milan box, followed by Pavlović’s equalizer to swing momentum back. Yet Bonazzoli’s extraordinary strike turned the tide irrevocably, timing perfectly into a moment Milan seemed regaining control.
Standout Player Performances
- Federico Baschirotto (Cremonese): Dominated Milan’s aerial defence to net the opener.
- Strahinja Pavlović (Milan): Showed poise by converting Estupiñán’s brilliant assist.
- Federico Bonazzoli (Cremonese): Produced a jaw-dropping overhead-kick—match-winner stamped with flair.
- Mike Maignan (Milan): Denied Bonazzoli earlier with a full-stretch save but couldn’t stop the acrobatic response.
Tactical Breakdown
- AC Milan (Massimiliano Allegri): Milan controlled majority of possession but lacked defensive discipline, particularly from set-pieces. Their planning nearly paid off, but failure to anticipate aerial threats proved costly.
- Cremonese (Davide Nicola): Set up compact and disciplined, relying on targeted set-piece deliveries and quick transitions. Bonazzoli’s striking quality was the tactical weapon that undid Milan’s structure.
Fan Reactions & Atmosphere
San Siro roared early as Milan pressed relentlessly, but silence ensued after Baschirotto’s goal. Pavlović’s equalizer rallied the crowd briefly, only for shock and disbelief to settle in following Bonazzoli’s acrobatics. Cremonese’s fans erupted in celebration—honoring an upset that will reverberate through the season.
What This Means for the Season
- For AC Milan: A disastrous start that demands urgent defensive recalibration. This loss might trigger questions about Allegri’s new system and squad cohesion.
- For Cremonese: A morale-boosting triumph that suggests resilience and clever planning can disrupt the Serie A hierarchy—raising hopes for a successful bid in Italy’s top flight. This performance will anchor their season’s confidence.