The curtain rose on the Serie A season, promising the usual spectacle of Italian football, but for AC Milan, the opening act was less a dramatic triumph and more a calamitous misstep. In a stunning turn of events on August 23, 2025, newly-promoted Cremonese defied expectations, delivering a 2-1 defeat to the Rossoneri right in the heart of San Siro. This wasn`t merely a loss; it was a loud, early-season wake-up call, amplified by a goal of audacious beauty and a pervasive sense of underachievement.
The Unlikely Underdog Strikes First
From the outset, the match felt… off. Milan, under the seasoned gaze of coach Allegri, seemed sluggish, their movements predictable against a Cremonese side that, frankly, played with the unburdened spirit of a team with nothing to lose. The visitors, often pegged as early relegation candidates, were organized, resolute, and surprisingly incisive. Their breakthrough arrived in the 28th minute, a moment that perfectly encapsulated Milan`s early-season defensive frailties.
A cross from Zerbin found its way into the Milan box, where Baschirotto, with a header as precise as it was unexpected, beat Pavlovic to the ball, sending it past the keeper. The celebration that followed, a `Robocop` tribute, quickly became a social media sensation, a testament to the sheer joy of the underdog taking an early lead against a football giant.
A Glimmer of Hope, Then a Masterpiece
Just when the San Siro faithful began to stew in collective anxiety, Milan found an equalizer, a brief flicker of their expected prowess. In the dying moments of the first half`s injury time, a fortunate turnover saw Saelemaekers steal the ball, setting up Estupinan, whose left-footed cross found Pavlovic. Having presumably returned from his defensive `vacation` in the opposing box, Pavlovic nodded home, bringing a sigh of relief to the red-and-black half of Milan.
However, this momentary reprieve only served to set the stage for Cremonese`s dramatic winner. Sixteen minutes into the second half, Milan`s defense again faltered. Baschirotto, a thorn in their side all evening, pressed high, dispossessing Gimenez. The ball found Pezzella, whose cross invited a moment of pure, unadulterated footballing magic. Federico Bonazzoli, an “ex-Interista” — a detail sure to sting Milan fans just a little extra — launched himself into a breathtaking overhead kick. His left foot connected perfectly, sending the ball into the net with a precision that left Audero, and indeed the entire stadium, mesmerized. It was, as the pundits quickly declared, a strong contender for “goal of the month” and, for Milan, a bitter pill to swallow.
Milan`s Enigma: Star Power vs. Slow Play
The post-match analysis for Milan was a familiar lament: slow, predictable, lacking cutting edge. For all their possession, genuine opportunities were scarce. A brief five-minute flurry in the second half saw four chances created, but none converted, highlighting a troubling inefficiency. Oddly, the most effective player on the pitch for Milan, at nearly 40 years old, was Luka Modric. His vision and passing, even at a lower tempo, consistently unlocked spaces that his younger teammates struggled to exploit.
Conversely, performances from Loftus-Cheek were described as “soft,” Fofana`s finishing “imprecise,” and Alex Jimenez`s entry into the game “poor.” It appears the seasonal rust was more akin to concrete for several key Milan players. For coach Massimiliano Allegri, this opening day defeat marks his third consecutive with Milan, a statistical anomaly that will undoubtedly spark early questions about his tactical approach and the team`s readiness.
The Echoes of San Siro and Market Demands
The atmosphere at San Siro painted a stark picture of the mood surrounding AC Milan. A “strike” by the Curva Sud left a significant portion of the stadium in silence for much of the game, allowing the enthusiastic 3,500 traveling Cremonese fans to dominate the soundscape with their drums and chants. The usual thunderous roar was replaced by a frustrated hush, eventually giving way to whistles at the final whistle.
“Another year like this is simply unacceptable, and this team needs help, fast.”
This early setback has inevitably reignited calls for urgent action in the transfer market, which remains open. Fans, already feeling the sting of recent seasons, are openly questioning whether the current squad possesses the necessary depth and quality. With funds purportedly available, the pressure is now squarely on the club`s management to address these glaring deficiencies before the window slams shut.
Cremonese`s Dream Start
For Cremonese and their coach Davide Nicola, this victory is a colossal boost. To begin their Serie A campaign with an away win against a perennial giant like AC Milan is more than just three points; it`s a statement. It provides immense confidence and belief that they can compete at this level. The early season narrative has certainly been rewritten, at least for them.
As the football world digests this surprising result, it`s clear that the 2025-2026 Serie A season has already delivered its first major plot twist. While Cremonese celebrates a memorable night, AC Milan is left to ponder a perplexing opening defeat, knowing that the road ahead is likely to be bumpier than anticipated.