Serie A
11:30 AMMarch 1, 2026
Regular Season – 27
Stadio Giovanni Zini
Referee: Davide Massa, Italy
Cremonese
AC Milan
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0.91
Expected goals (xG)
3.59
Passing
302 (81%)
Accurate passes
374 (85%)
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1
G
Emil Audero
5
D
Sebastiano Luperto
55
D
Francesco Folino
15
D
Matteo Bianchetti (C)
3
M
Giuseppe Pezzella
M
Youssef Maleh
85′ Foul
27
M
Jari Vandeputte
2
M
Morten Thorsby
7
M
Alessio Zerbin
10
F
Jamie Vardy
90
F
Federico Bonazzoli
16
G
Mike Maignan (C)
D
Strahinja Pavlović
90′
D
Koni De Winter
90′
23
D
Fikayo Tomori
33
M
Davide Bartesaghi
12
M
Adrien Rabiot
14
M
Luka Modrić
19
M
Youssouf Fofana
56
M
Alexis Saelemaekers
F
Rafael Leão
90+4′
11
F
Christian Pulišić
Coach
Massimiliano Allegri
Serie A Standings – Serie A
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Champions League (League phase)
- Promotion – Europa League (League phase)
- Promotion – Conference League (Qualification)
- Relegation – Serie B
AC Milan secured a late, vital 2-0 victory over Cremonese thanks to dramatic injury-time goals from Strahinja Pavlovic and Rafael Leao.
AC Milan continued their pursuit of the Serie A title, entering this match second in the league standings. Their opponents, Cremonese, were battling hard to avoid relegation, sitting 17th. The home side knew a positive result was crucial at the Stadio Giovanni Zini.
The first half saw AC Milan dominating possession and territory, dictating the tempo of the game. However, Cremonese’s defense proved resolute, frustrating the visitors’ attacking efforts. Goalkeeper Emil Audero made several crucial saves to keep his side level.
Milan pressed continually, with Rafael Leao a constant threat down the left flank. Luka Modric also pulled strings in midfield, attempting to unlock the deep-lying Cremonese backline. Despite Milan’s pressure, clear-cut chances were scarce.
Cremonese, meanwhile, sought to exploit any opportunity on the counter-attack. Federico Bonazzoli made some attempts on goal, but none truly troubled Mike Maignan. The first 45 minutes concluded without a goal for either side, reflecting Cremonese’s determined defensive display.
As the second half began, AC Milan needed to find an extra gear and more precision in their attacking play. Cremonese aimed to maintain their defensive discipline while hoping to snatch a surprise goal. The tension mounted with each passing minute.
Manager Stefano Pioli made tactical changes to ignite his team, introducing Youssouf Fofana and Alexis Saelemaekers in the 62nd minute. Cremonese responded with their own triple substitution at 66 minutes, bringing on Matteo Bianchetti, Jamie Vardy, and Alessio Zerbin to add fresh legs.
The game became increasingly physical, reflected in Cremonese receiving two yellow cards. Federico Terracciano was booked in the 76th minute, followed by Youssef Maleh ten minutes later. These cautions highlighted the growing pressure on the home side.
The deadlock finally shattered in the 90th minute. Strahinja Pavlovic rose highest to head home a powerful goal for AC Milan, sparking celebrations. Koni De Winter delivered the precise assist, breaking Cremonese’s spirited resistance.
Milan then sealed their victory deep into added time. Rafael Leao surged forward and fired in their second goal at 90+4 minutes. Christopher Nkunku provided the assist, confirming a late surge from the Rossoneri.
The final statistics underscored Milan’s dominance. They finished with 53% possession, launching 20 total shots with 6 on target, and an expected goals (xG) of 3.59. Cremonese managed 15 shots, only 3 of which tested Maignan, and had an xG of 0.91.
This crucial 2-0 win allows AC Milan to consolidate their position in the Serie A title race. For Cremonese, the late collapse means they remain embroiled in a challenging fight against relegation, needing immediate improvements.