Series A
11:30 a.mMarch 1, 2026
Regular season – 27
Giovanni Zini Stadium
Referee: Davide Massa, Italy
Cremonese
AC Milan
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
0.91
Expected Goals (xG)
3.59
Passing by
302 (81%)
Accurate passes
374 (85%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
1
G
Emil Audero
7.5
5
d
Sebastian Luperto
6.2
55
d
Francesco Folino
7.2
15
d
Matteo Bianchetti (C)
7.7
3
M
Giuseppe Pezzella
6.9
M
Youssef Maleh
85′ missing
27
M
Jari Vandeputte
7.3
2
M
Morten Thorsby
6.5
7
M
Alessio Zerbin
6.3
10
F
Jamie Vardy
6.7
90
F
Federico Bonazzoli
7.2
16
G
Mike Maignan (C)
7.7
d
Strahinja Pavlovic
90′
d
Koni De Winter
90′
23
d
Fikayo Tomori
7.2
33
M
David Bartesaghi
7.5
12
M
Adrien Rabiot
7.6
14
M
Luka Modric
8.3
19
M
Youssouf Fofana
7.2
56
M
Alexis Saelemaekers
6.6
F
Raphael Leo
90+4′
11
F
Christian Pulisic
6.5
trainer
Massimiliano Allegri
Serie A classification – Serie A
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Champions League (League phase)
- Promotion – Europa League (League phase)
- Promotion – Conference League (ranking)
- Relegation – Serie B
AC Milan secured a late and vital 2-0 win over Cremonese thanks to spectacular stoppage time goals from Strahinja Pavlovic and Rafael Leao.
AC Milan continued their quest for the Serie A title, entering this match second in the league standings. Their rivals, Cremonese, were fighting hard to avoid relegation, occupying 17th place. The home team knew that a positive result was crucial at the Giovanni Zini Stadium.
In the first half, AC Milan dominated possession and territory, dictating the pace of the match. However, the Cremona defense showed firmness, thwarting the visitors’ attack. Goalkeeper Emil Audero made several crucial saves to keep his team level.
Milan pressed continuously, with Rafael Leao a constant threat down the left. Luka Modric also pulled the strings in midfield, trying to unlock the deep Cremonese backline. Despite Milan’s pressure, clear-cut chances were few and far between.
Cremonese, on the other hand, tried to take advantage of any opportunity on the counterattack. Federico Bonazzoli had a few attempts on goal, but none troubled Mike Maignan. The first 45 minutes ended without a goal for either team, reflecting Cremonese’s defensive determination.
As the second half began, AC Milan needed to find an extra team and more precision in their attacking play. The Cremonese aimed to maintain their defensive discipline while hoping for a surprise goal. The tension grew with each passing minute.
Manager Stefano Pioli made tactical changes to ignite his team, bringing on Youssouf Fofana and Alexis Saelemaekers in the 62nd minute. Cremonese responded with their own triple substitution in the 66th minute, with Matteo Bianchetti, Jamie Vardy and Alessio Zerbin adding fresh legs.
The match 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 warnings highlighted the growing pressure from the local community.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 90th minute. Strahinja Pavlovic rose higher to head home a powerful AC Milan goal that sparked celebrations. Koni De Winter provided the precise assist, breaking Cremonese’s spirited resistance.
Milan then sealed their victory in added time. Rafael Leao advanced and fired in his second goal at 90+4 minutes. Christopher Nkunku provided the assist, sealing a late surge for the Rossoneri.
The final statistics underlined Milan’s dominance. They finished with 53% possession, taking a total of 20 shots with 6 on target and an expected goal (xG) of 3.59. Cremonese had 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 slump means they remain involved in a challenging fight against relegation, needing immediate improvements.
