Inter Milan delivered a sensational performance at San Siro, securing a dominant 4-1 victory over a previously unbeaten Cremonese. The spotlight, however, belonged firmly to Ange Yoan Bonny, whose virtuoso display of a goal and three assists heralded a new era of attacking dynamism under coach Cristian Chivu.
Ange Yoan Bonny (left) celebrates with teammates after a pivotal goal at San Siro.
Chivu`s Grand Design: A Departure from the “Sea of Inzaghi”
The match against Cremonese wasn`t just another fixture; it was a resounding declaration of Inter`s evolving tactical identity under Cristian Chivu. Fans have long speculated about the team`s shift away from what some playfully dubbed the “Sea of Inzaghi,” implying a style that, while effective, occasionally lacked immediate verticality and relentless aggression. Chivu, it seems, has successfully navigated these waters, charting a new course that prioritizes high pressing, swift attacks, and an almost insatiable hunger for the opposition`s goal.
This 4-1 thrashing marked Inter`s fifth consecutive victory across all competitions, propelling them to the summit of the league table, at least temporarily, while awaiting the outcomes of other crucial matchups. The deployment of players like Frattesi and Bonny as first-time starters underscores Chivu`s willingness to experiment and utilize the full depth of his squad, having now employed 22 different players in the last eight games. This isn`t just winning; it`s winning with a clear, exhilarating philosophy.
Bonny`s Breakthrough: The “Ball” That Conquered San Siro
While Lautaro Martinez, Federico Dimarco, and Nicolo Barella all found the net, it was Ange Yoan Bonny, deputizing for the formidable Thuram, who truly stole the show. On his inaugural start, the young Frenchman delivered a performance that can only be described as devastating. A goal and three assists – an individual tally that would make any seasoned forward proud – were the fruits of his labor. The original Italian report playfully notes that “Bonny” in Portuguese means “ball” (bola), and indeed, he commanded it with remarkable flair, turning it into a devastating weapon.
His presence was felt from the opening whistle. Just moments into the game, Inter`s aggressive pressing yielded results. Cremonese`s Sanabria mishandled the ball, Barella pounced, and with an exquisite outside-of-the-boot pass, he launched Bonny behind Cremonese`s high defensive line. Bonny`s subsequent assist for Lautaro`s easy finish was the first sign of what was to come. Later, a masterful header by Bonny, courtesy of a pinpoint cross from Dimarco, further cemented his impact.
The Left Flank: Inter`s “Strong Side”
Inter`s tactical prowess was particularly evident on their left flank, a strategic choice that felt straight out of a playbook. If football were a movie, Denzel Washington`s character in “Remember the Titans” might well declare, “Left side, strong side!” – and Inter`s players certainly echoed that sentiment on the pitch.
The sequence for Bonny`s header beautifully illustrated this dominance: the action developed down the left, with Bastoni cleverly pushing high to draw pressure, creating space for Dimarco. The latter then surged forward, shrugging off Floriani Mussolini, to deliver the perfect cross for Bonny. It was a testament to Chivu`s philosophy of intelligent space occupation and fluid movement.
The subsequent goals amplified this theme. Dimarco, fed by Bonny, unleashed a powerful left-footed strike from outside the box in the 55th minute, beating Silvestri. Just two minutes later, Barella capitalized on yet another Bonny assist, completing a move once again orchestrated from the left. This relentless “hammering” from the left, involving key players like Lautaro and Mkhitaryan alongside Dimarco and Bastoni, proved too much for Cremonese to handle. One could almost feel a twinge of sympathy for Cremonese`s goalkeeper, Silvestri, who, without his valiant efforts, might have conceded several more.
A Solitary Blip: Diouf`s Misstep
The only blemish on an otherwise flawless evening came in the final minutes. Cremonese, who had arrived at San Siro undefeated, managed a consolation goal in the 87th minute. This was largely thanks to an uncharacteristic error from Inter`s Diouf, who lost possession deep in his own half. The experienced Vardy recovered the ball, setting up Bonazzoli, an ex-Nerazzurro, who clinically finished a cross from Vandeputte.
The moment served as a subtle reminder that even in dominant displays, focus is paramount. One can almost imagine Chivu, armed with a healthy dose of patience, jotting down notes for the upcoming international break, where this minor defensive lapse will undoubtedly become a point of emphasis. For Cremonese, it was a stark step back after a promising start to the season, returning home without the celebratory “violins” they might have hoped to play.
Benedict Kingsley