CREMONA, Italy – AC Milan overcame a stubborn Cremonese side with two late goals on Sunday, securing a 2-0 victory in Serie A. The win at Stadio Giovanni Zini sees Milan maintain their position in the league standings as they prepare for a crucial derby match against Inter Milan.
The match, played on March 1, 2026, saw Cremonese begin brightly, creating several opportunities in the opening stages. However, Milan gradually gained control, though they initially struggled to break down a resolute Cremonese defense. The first half concluded without either side finding the back of the net, despite chances for both teams.
Milan continued to press in the second half, with Rafael Leão proving a constant threat. However, Cremonese goalkeeper Emil Audero proved difficult to beat, denying Leão on multiple occasions. Christian Pulisic also had a shot blocked by Audero in the 43rd minute, keeping the score level.
The breakthrough finally came in the 90th minute when Strahinja Pavlovic scored, redirecting a header from Koni De Winte past Audero. The goal sparked a late surge from Milan and they quickly added a second through Leão in added time. Leão finished off a counterattack, assisted by Christopher Nkunku, sealing the victory for the Rossoneri.
The result sees AC Milan move to 57 points, remaining 10 points behind league leaders Inter Milan. Cremonese, meanwhile, remain in 17th place with 24 points, continuing their fight to avoid relegation.
Key Moments and Tactical Observations
Cremonese started the match with an aggressive approach, attempting to unsettle Milan early on. Even as they created a few early chances, they lacked the clinical finishing to capitalize. Milan, after a slow start, began to dominate possession, but struggled to convert their opportunities into goals.
The introduction of Christopher Nkunku late in the game proved pivotal, providing the assist for Leão’s decisive second goal. Milan’s patience and persistence ultimately paid off, as they wore down the Cremonese defense and found a way to score in the closing stages. The late goals demonstrated Milan’s resilience and ability to grind out results even when not at their best.
Lineups and Match Details
Cremonese Starting XI: Audero; Luperto, Bianchetti, Folino; Pezzella, Thorsby, Maleh, Vandeputte, Zerbin; Vardy, Bonazzoli.
AC Milan Starting XI: Tomori, De Winter, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Fofana, Modric, Rabiot, Bartesaghi; Leao, Pulisic.
The match was played at Stadio Giovanni Zini in Cremona, Italy. The game kicked off at 11:30 UTC.
What’s Next for AC Milan?
AC Milan now turns its attention to a highly anticipated derby match against Inter Milan. The Milan derby is always a fiercely contested affair, and this one promises to be particularly significant given the gap between the two teams in the league standings. The match is scheduled for next weekend, and a win for Milan would significantly close the gap on their rivals.
The team will undoubtedly analyze their performance against Cremonese, identifying areas for improvement before facing Inter. Maintaining defensive solidity and converting chances will be crucial if they are to secure a positive result in the derby.
Fans can stay updated on the latest news and developments regarding AC Milan through the club’s official website and social media channels.
This article will be updated with further information as it becomes available.
