AC Milan Aim to Regain Momentum Against Free-Falling Cremonese

Following a significant setback to their title aspirations last week, AC Milan must respond with a victory over a struggling Cremonese on Sunday afternoon. A 1-0 defeat against Parma brought an end to the Rossoneri’s impressive unbeaten streak in Serie A, leaving them trailing city rivals Inter Milan by a considerable margin.

Milan’s Title Hopes Diminish

After an exceptional run of 24 league games without defeat, Milan stumbled last Sunday as in-form Parma secured a surprising 80th-minute winner at the San Siro. Despite post-match debate, a VAR review confirmed the goal’s validity, leaving Milan unable to respond. With 12 rounds remaining, they trail first-placed Inter by 13 points, making a Scudetto challenge increasingly unlikely.

Max Allegri’s side previously needed a late goal to overcome Pisa and then drew 1-1 with Como, signaling a loss of momentum. However, Milan remains unbeaten on the road, with their only other league loss coming at home to Cremonese on the opening day. They will now face their Lombardy rivals at Stadio Zini, where the Milan giants have failed to score in their last three visits.

Cremonese Seek Upset, But Face Uphill Battle

Following their shock 2-1 victory over Milan in August, Cremonese fans will hope for an unprecedented league double. However, replicating that success seems a long shot, as Cremo has endured a dismal start to the calendar year. They are currently on one of their worst runs in Italy’s top flight, failing to score in 10 of their last 12 winless matches, and haven’t tasted victory since December.

Last week’s 3-0 loss to Roma allowed Fiorentina to overtake them in the relegation battle. Davide Nicola’s side is now 17th in the standings, just above the drop zone on goal difference. With Nicola’s position under pressure, their comeback campaign may be heading for demotion, just a year after winning the Serie B playoffs.

Team News & Potential Lineups

AC Milan will be without midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek due to a serious facial injury for several weeks. Matteo Gabbia’s recovery from a flexor issue is uncertain. Mexico striker Santiago Gimenez remains absent, but Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao have returned to fitness. Christopher Nkunku and Niclas Fullkrug are also in contention. Veteran Luka Modric is expected to start in midfield.

Cremonese’s front line is struggling for goals, leading Nicola to bench Jamie Vardy last week. Bonazzoli has also failed to find the net this calendar year. The hosts will be without Michele Collocolo, Faris Moumbagna, and Federico Baschirotto due to injury, but Milan loanee Warren Bondo could be ready to start.

Cremonese Possible Starting Lineup:

Audero; Terracciano, Luperto, Bianchetti; Zerbin, Thorsby, Bondo, Maleh, Pezzella; Bonazzoli, Vardy

AC Milan Possible Starting Lineup:

Maignan; Tomori, De Winter, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Fofana, Modric, Rabiot, Bartesaghi; Pulisic, Leao

Prediction: Milan to Secure Comfortable Victory

While Milan ranks third in Serie A for clean sheets, Cremonese has failed to score in their last three matches at Stadio Zini. Therefore, the Rossoneri are expected to comfortably contain their hosts and score at least twice. For more in-depth data analysis and predictions, visit WhoScored.com.

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