Inter Milan's 4-1 Thrashing of Cremonese Puts Nerazzurri at Serie A Summit
When Inter Milan hammered Cremonese 4‑1 at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium (widely known as San Siro) on , the city of Milan erupted with 70,750 roaring fans. The early strike from Lautaro Martínez in the 6th minute set the tone, while Ange‑Yoan Bonny dazzled with a goal and three assists in his full debut. The win not only marked Inter's fifth straight triumph across all competitions but also vaulted the Nerazzurri into a shared lead at the top of Serie A.
Match Overview: A Night of Dominance
The clash, officially recorded as Inter Milan vs Cremonese Serie A matchSan Siro, Milan, unfolded like a script written for Inter’s attackers. After Martínez’s lightning‑fast opener, Bonny’s second‑half arrival added a fresh spark, culminating in his 38th‑minute finish. The left‑footed cannon — Federico Dimarco — struck from the edge of the box to make it 3‑0, and just two minutes later Nicolò Barella completed the rout. Cremonese’s consolation came late, when Federico Bonazzoli nudged home in the 87th minute.
Key Players and Performances
Martínez’s early goal was more than a statistic; it was a psychological blow. The Argentine’s poise inside the box reminded fans why he’s one of Italy’s most feared forwards. Bonny, though a newcomer to the Nerazzurri lineup, instantly proved his worth. Not only did he fire the second goal, but his three assists — threading passes to Dimarco, Barella, and a near‑miss for Frattesi — illustrated a vision rarely seen from a debutant.
Dimarco’s left‑footed strike was a textbook example of precision. From roughly 25 meters, he curled the ball into the bottom right corner, leaving goalkeeper Marco Silvestri helpless. Barella’s contribution went beyond the goal; his relentless drive in midfield linked defense to attack, often dragging Cremonese’s players out of shape.
Defensively, Yann Sommer kept a clean sheet, commanding his area with authority. The back three — Alessandro Bastoni, Stefan de Vrij, and Manuel Akanji — held firm against Cremonese’s occasional flashes, while wing‑backs Denzel Dumfries and Dimarco supplied width.
Tactical Analysis: Inter’s Fluidity on Full Display
Under the guidance of head coach Simone Inzaghi, Inter employed a high‑pressing 3‑5‑2 that morphed seamlessly into a 3‑4‑3 in attack. The midfield pivot of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Barella provided both creative spark and defensive cover. When Bonny entered the fray, his pace on the left broke the Cremonese line, allowing Dimarco to cut inside and unleash that thunderous shot.
Statistically, Inter out‑shot Cremonese 22‑5, held 13 corners to their 4, and completed 68 % of passes in the final third, according to match data released by Serie A. The numbers underscore a team not just winning, but dictating tempo. Even when Cremonese’s goalkeeper Silvestri produced a string of saves, the Nerazzurri’s pressure remained relentless, forcing errors that Bonny capitalised on.
Implications for the Serie A Race
This victory catapults Inter to 12 points from six matches, sharing the summit with AC Milan, Napoli, and Roma. The swing is stark: just a month ago, Inter lingered at the bottom after two early defeats. Now, they’ve stitched together a four‑match winning streak, erasing the early‑season doubt.
For Cremonese, the loss drops them to nine points and slides them into third place. Their unbeaten start is over, and they’ll need to regroup quickly if they hope to stay in the top‑four conversation.
Historical Context: From Struggles to Surge
Inter’s turnaround mirrors the 2020‑21 season, when a shaky start was followed by a 10‑match unbeaten run that eventually secured a Champions League berth. Coach Inzaghi, now in his third year, seems to have learned from those past lessons, emphasizing squad depth and rotational flexibility — evident in the early introduction of Bonny and the strategic substitution of Luis Henrique for Dumfries at halftime.
Fans will recall the 2019‑20 derby triumph at San Siro, where Inter also posted a dominant win. While the opponents differ, the pattern of a home‑ground showcase is familiar, reinforcing San Siro’s reputation as a fortress when the team clicks.
Key Facts
- Final score: Inter Milan 4, Cremonese 1
- Goals: Martínez (6'), Bonny (38'), Dimarco (55'), Barella (57'), Bonazzoli (87')
- Attendance: 70,750 spectators
- Inter’s record: 4‑0‑2, 12 points
- Serie A standing: Inter tied for 1st with AC Milan, Napoli, Roma
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect Inter Milan’s Champions League ambitions?
By moving to 12 points and sharing the league lead, Inter now sits in a strong position to qualify for next season’s Champions League. With a favorable goal difference and momentum, they can afford a slip‑up without jeopardising a top‑four finish.
What impact did Ange‑Yoan Bonny have on the game?
Bonny contributed a goal and three assists, directly influencing 75 % of Inter’s tally. His dribbling created space on the left, allowing Dimarco to cut inside and strike, while his pinpoint passes set up the second and fourth goals.
Why did Cremonese’s unbeaten run end?
Cremonese struggled to contain Inter’s high press and failed to capitalize on limited chances. Defensive lapses in the first half, combined with an inability to contain Bonny’s runs, led to four goals conceded before they could respond.
Who were the standout defensive players for Inter?
Yann Sommer kept a clean sheet with several key saves, while the back three of Bastoni, de Vrij, and Akanji thwarted Cremonese attacks and maintained a compact line throughout the match.
What does the win mean for the upcoming Milan derby?
Holding a share of first place gives Inter confidence heading into the derby against AC Milan. A positive result could widen the gap at the top, while a slip‑up would tighten the race dramatically.