When Inter Milan walked onto the pitch at San Siro on October 4, 2025, the expectation was clear: the Nerazzurri would dominate. The Serie A sixth-round matchSan Siro pitted Milan’s giants against the newly promoted side from Cremona, Cremonese, in a clash that would quickly veer into a one‑sided affair. By the final whistle, the scoreboard read 4‑1, and Inter’s place near the top of the table was a little more secure.
Match Overview: Early Pressure and a Six‑Minute Goal
The opening minutes were an anxious scramble. Inter’s high‑press forced Cremonese’s backline to play long balls, and it paid off almost immediately. In the sixth minute, Lautaro Martínez latched onto a loose pass inside the box and slipped the ball past goalkeeper M. Silvestri. The early strike set the tone, and fans at the overcast 15°C stadium roared with relief.
Key Moments and Goal Timeline
After a brief spell of Cremonese resistance – highlighted by Ange‑Yoan Bonny finding the net in the 38th minute – the second half belonged entirely to Inter. The breakthrough came in the 55th minute when Federico Dimarco curled a free‑kick from the left flank into the top corner. Merely two minutes later, midfielder Nicolò Barella doubled the lead with a low finish from outside the area.
The final blow arrived in the 87th minute after a late Cremonese surge. Substitute Federico Bonazzoli struck a consolation goal, but the damage was already done. Inter’s 4‑1 triumph reflected not just individual brilliance but a collective rhythm that seemed to flow from the back line to the attack.
Team Line‑ups and Tactical Set‑up
Inter deployed a classic 3‑5‑2, with Milan Skriniar anchoring a three‑man defence, while wing‑backs Denzel Dumfries and Filip Kostić provided width. In midfield, Hakan Çalhanoğlu operated as deep‑lying playmaker, feeding forwards Lautaro Martínez and Romelu Lukaku.
Cremonese, on the other hand, lined up in a 4‑3‑3 formation. Captain M. Bianchetti marshaled the defence, while a youthful midfield of F. Vázquez, A. Grassi and W. Bondo struggled to contain Inter’s creative engine. The attacking trio, featuring A. Sanabria on the wing, was unable to produce clear‑cut chances beyond Bonny’s lone goal.
Officials and Controversies
The match was overseen by referee Ermanno Feliciani, with Antonio Rapuano as the fourth official. Video‑Assistant Referee duties were handled by Matteo Gariglio, while Marco Di Bello acted as the assistant VAR. The officiating crew faced no major disputes, allowing the focus to stay on the on‑field drama.
Reactions and Implications
Post‑match, Inter’s head coach Simone Inzaghi praised the team’s “clinical start” and highlighted the depth of the squad. "Scoring early and then responding quickly after halftime shows the character we need for the title race," Inzaghi remarked during the press conference.
Cremonese’s manager Luca Gotti admitted a “hard lesson” but remained optimistic, noting that the team will use the defeat as a learning experience. "We have to tighten up defensively and be more decisive in transition," Gotti said.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Serie A
With the win, Inter leapt to second place, only two points behind league leaders Juventus. Their average of 2.4 goals per match over the last five fixtures now sits comfortably ahead of the league average of 1.8. For Cremonese, the loss keeps them in the 15th spot, just three points above the relegation zone.
Statistically, Inter’s possession hovered around 62%, and they completed 587 passes compared to Cremonese’s 389. The shot count favored the home side 16‑4, underscoring the disparity in attacking intent. Experts from Gazzetta dello Sport predict that if Inter maintains this efficiency, they could challenge for the Scudetto as early as the winter break.
Background: Inter’s Season So Far
Entering the sixth round, Inter had already posted four wins and one loss, a record that placed them firmly among the top three. Their sole defeat came against Lazio in September, a match where defensive lapses cost them dearly. Since then, the squad has benefited from the return of key players from injury – notably Milan Škriniar – and a renewed tactical approach focusing on quick transitions.
Cremonese, promoted just two seasons ago, have been fighting to stay afloat. Their previous result was a 0‑0 draw against Udinese. The club’s modest budget, estimated at €45 million, limits their ability to compete for marquee signings, making every point crucial.
Fan Experience and Atmosphere
The crowd at San Siro, estimated at 70,000, created a thunderous backdrop despite the overcast sky. Fans waved blue and black scarves, chanting “Nerazzurri” in unison. For many, the early goal by Martínez felt like a gift from the gods; for Cremonese supporters, the lone goal in the 38th minute provided a brief spark of hope before the night’s narrative turned.
Key Takeaways
- Inter’s early strike set a dominant tempo, resulting in a 4‑1 win.
- Goals from Martínez, Dimarco and Barella highlighted Inter’s attacking variety.
- Cremonese’s defensive frailties were exposed, especially after halftime.
- The result propels Inter within two points of the league leaders.
- Both teams’ coaches stressed the need for consistency moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect Inter Milan’s title hopes?
The win lifts Inter to second place, just two points behind current leaders Juventus. Maintaining a goal‑rich form like the 4‑1 victory could see them challenge for the Scudetto as early as the mid‑season break, provided injuries stay minimal.
What were the key tactical changes that led to Inter’s dominance?
Inzaghi’s 3‑5‑2 allowed wing‑backs to flood the flanks, stretching Cremonese’s narrow defence. Quick transitions from Çalhanoğlu’s deep passes to Martínez and Lukaku created high‑quality chances, while the back three kept a compact shape.
Will Cremonese’s relegation battle become more difficult after this loss?
Yes. Falling to 15th with a three‑point cushion over the drop zone means every subsequent match is high‑stakes. They’ll need to tighten their defence and convert their few chances more efficiently to stay afloat.
Who stood out for Cremonese despite the defeat?
Ange‑Yoan Bonny’s 38th‑minute goal demonstrated his knack for finding space in tight areas. Additionally, goalkeeper Silvestri made several crucial saves that kept the scoreline from inflating further.
What weather conditions influenced play at San Siro?
The match was played under overcast skies with a temperature of about 15 °C. The cool, damp conditions helped the ball stay slick, favouring quick passes and high‑tempo pressing by Inter.