AC Milan – Cremonese : Preview & Prediction
Two goals in second-half stoppage time secured AC Milan a 1-1 draw in the 97th minute against Roma on Saturday. Although that result extended their official unbeaten run (G3, E4), the fact that four teams from fourth to seventh are separated by just two points before this matchday means it has had little impact on Milan’s push to finish inside the top four teams in the Serie A (SA) standings. Coach Stefano Pioli felt the draw was “not the result” he wanted ahead of a crucial set of fixtures that will see them face Lazio in SA and city rivals Inter in the Champions League semifinals.
This could perhaps see Pioli rotate his lineup against lowly Cremonese, against whom Milan have won each of their seven meetings between them at home in the top flight. The Rossoneri should be able to rely on their defensive strength to once again help extend that record, having kept four clean sheets in their last five home games in SA (G3, E2).
Although Cremonese held Cremonese to a goalless draw in the first leg meeting, the last time they faced AC Milan at the San Siro in May 1996 they finished with one of their heaviest defeats ever (7-1). That certainly won’t inspire confidence in a team that failed to make their advantage count against fellow relegation battlers Verona on Sunday (E 1-1). Although coach Davide Bellardini said they played “an excellent game,” Cremonese remained seven points from salvation at the end of the last round, but with the Coppa Italia no longer a distraction, there is now no excuse to take your eye off the ball.
Any hope of a miraculous late approach to safety will need them to improve their away record, having earned just six points on the road this calendar year (G1, E3, P4). But with four of those units secured despite conceding the first goal of the game, Cremonese have shown they have the stomach for the fight, no matter how late in the season.
Players to watch: Milan’s Alexis Saelemaekers loves to have the final say in the match, having scored the final goal in three of the four games in which he has found the back of the net this season. Cremonese will be hoping David Okereke can have his say before then and has converted the opening goal of the game with four of his last five goals for the club.
Fun Fact: Milan’s last six games in SA have seen the halftime score replicated at the end of the match.
AC Milan – Cremonese : Betting Tips
AC Milan – Win Odds: 1.35
