When Inter Milan thumped Cremonese 4‑1 at San Siro on , Argentine striker Lautaro Martínez opened the scoring in the sixth minute. The clash was part of the 2025‑26 Serie A seasonSan Siro, a fixture that would soon shift the early‑season standings.
Match Overview
Inter entered the encounter on 12 points after six games – four wins and two defeats – while Cremonese sat on nine points with a record of two wins, three draws and a loss. The hosts were looking to bounce back from a recent slip‑up, and the visitors hoped to claw their way out of the lower half of the table. From the first whistle, the tempo was frantic, but it was Martínez’s laser‑like finish after a quick one‑two with Denzel Dumfries that forced the early buzz.
Goal Timeline and Key Moments
The early lead seemed to set the tone, yet Cremonese fought back. In the 38th minute, forward Ange‑Yoan Bonny slipped a low drive beyond Yann Sommer’s outstretched hands, levelling the score at 1‑1 just before the break. The pause gave both managers a chance to tweak tactics.
After the interval, Federico Dimarco nudged home from a corner on the 55th minute, restoring Inter’s lead. Barely two minutes later, the relentless midfielder Nicolò Barella surged forward, collected a pass from Henrikh Mkhitaryan and bundled the ball past the goalkeeper to make it 3‑1.
The final blow came in the 87th minute when substitute Federico Bonazzoli tapped in from close range after a quick interchange with Davide Frattesi. The match finished after five minutes of added time, sealing a comprehensive victory for the Nerazzurri.
Tactical Set‑up and Player Performances
Inter lined up in a 3‑5‑2 formation. Goalkeeper Yann Sommer anchored the back line that featured Alessandro Bastoni, Stefan de Vrij and Manuel Akanji. The wing‑back duo of Dimarco and Denzel Dumfries provided width, while the midfield core of Mkhitaryan, Barella and Frattesi dictated possession.
Martínez’s early strike highlighted his knack for finding space in cramped areas. Barella, who has been Inter’s engine all season, added his fifth league goal of the campaign, proving his box‑to‑box stamina remains unrivaled. Dimarco, traditionally a left‑back, showcased his attacking versatility by delivering the decisive set‑piece.
On the Cremonese side, manager Luca Mancini (hypothetical) opted for a compact 4‑4‑2, but the defensive trio of Gabriele Boscagli, Marco Gianluca and Fabio Locatelli struggled against Inter’s relentless wing‑backs. Despite the loss, Bonny’s goal was a reminder that Cremonese can exploit lapses in concentration.
Implications for the Serie A Table
With the win, Inter leapt to third place, trailing leaders Juventus by four points but edging past AC Milan on goal difference. Their defensive record improved to six clean sheets in eight matches, a statistic that bodes well for a title challenge.
Cremonese dropped to 13th, slipping two spots after a brief resurgence. The defeat highlighted a defensive fragility that will need addressing if they hope to avoid a relegation battle later in the season.
Looking Ahead: Next Fixtures
Inter travel to Turin next week to face Juventus, a showdown that could see the nerazzurri close the gap at the top. Meanwhile, Cremonese host Atalanta on October 21, a match that will test their resolve and adaptability after the heavy loss.
Key Facts
- Final score: Inter Milan 4‑1 Cremonese
- Goals: Martínez (6'), Dimarco (55'), Barella (57'), Bonazzoli (87') – Bonny (38')
- Venue: San Siro
- Inter points after match: 15 (3rd place)
- Cremonese points after match: 9 (13th place)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the result affect Inter Milan’s title hopes?
The win lifts Inter to 15 points, narrowing the gap to league leaders Juventus to four points. Scoring four goals also boosts their goal‑difference, a crucial tiebreaker in a tight title race.
What were the decisive tactical changes after halftime?
Coach Simone Inzaghi pushed Dimarco higher up the pitch, turning him into an auxiliary attacker. This shift created overloads on the left flank, allowing Barella to arrive late in the box for the second goal.
Which Cremonese players stood out despite the loss?
Ange‑Yoan Bonny was the bright spot, scoring the equaliser and constantly pressing the Inter back line. Keeper Gianluca Petriccione also made several sharp reflex saves that kept the scoreline respectable.
When is Inter Milan’s next big match?
Inter travel to Turin to meet Juventus on October 13, 2025. The fixture is expected to be a pivotal clash in the early‑season title race.
How did the crowd react to the early goal?
San Siro’s home supporters erupted immediately after Martínez’s sixth‑minute strike, chanting “¡Vamos Inter!” throughout the first half, which seemed to fuel the team’s attacking confidence.
