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AC Milan enter the new Serie A campaign eager to put last season’s disappointments behind them. Despite lifting the Italian Super Cup at the expense of archrivals Inter, the Rossoneri under Sergio Conceição fell short in nearly every other competition. They were eliminated early in the Champions League play-off round and finished a disappointing eighth in Serie A, outside of European qualification spots.
The club responded by parting ways with Conceição and bringing back Massimiliano Allegri to lead the rebuild. With no European competitions to distract them, Milan now have a clear path to focus entirely on domestic objectives. Their preseason form, however, was inconsistent. They suffered defeats to Arsenal (1-0) and Chelsea (4-1), yet impressed with a 4-2 victory over Liverpool and a dominant 9-0 win against Perth Glory in Australia. A 1-1 draw with Leeds added further balance to their summer record. Most recently, Milan eased past Serie B side Bari in the Coppa Italia, winning 2-0 and showing signs of stronger defensive organization and midfield control.
Cremonese Return After Two Years Away
Cremonese, meanwhile, are back in Italy’s top flight after a two-year absence. Relegated in 2023, they climbed their way back last season through the promotion play-offs. Despite finishing only fourth in Serie B’s regular campaign, the Lombardy-based side overcame Juve Stabia and Spezia in the playoffs to secure their Serie A return.
Their preseason was relatively quiet, with mixed results: a heavy 4-1 defeat to Torino, a 3-0 win over minnows Patria, and a goalless draw against Reggiana. Their Italian Cup journey ended abruptly, as they were knocked out on penalties by Palermo, leaving the league as their sole focus this season. Coach Davide Nicola has instilled resilience into his squad, but questions remain about whether they possess the depth and consistency to compete at this level week after week.
Match Dynamics and Key Factors
The contrast between the two clubs could not be sharper. Milan are in a rebuilding phase but carry elite-level quality, particularly in midfield. The additions of experienced figures like Luka Modrić and young talents such as Ardon Jashari provide balance and tactical flexibility. With these two controlling tempo, Milan are expected to dominate possession and dictate the rhythm of play.
Cremonese’s approach will likely lean on compact defending and rapid counterattacks. Players like Felix Afena-Gyan offer pace and unpredictability, while set pieces may be their best chance of troubling Milan’s defense. Still, their recent struggles against top-flight opposition suggest they will need to be near-perfect to keep Allegri’s side at bay.
Prediction
Milan’s depth in attack—spearheaded by Olivier Giroud and Rafael Leão—should prove decisive, particularly with home advantage at San Siro. While Cremonese could snatch a goal through a moment of opportunism, the Rossoneri’s superior quality across the pitch is likely to prevail.
Given Cremonese’s limited goal threat away from home and Milan’s recent record of keeping clean sheets in home matches, the hosts are well placed to start the season with authority.
Prediction: AC Milan 3:0 Cremonese
