Inter and Cremonese are usually worlds apart in terms of stature, but early-season form has drawn them closer together. The Nerazzurri have already slipped to two league defeats, while Cremonese are proving that they can adapt quickly to life in the topflight.
Inter’s season started shakily, with a shock loss to Udinese followed by a chaotic Derby d’Italia defeat, but results have improved since. Under Cristian Chivu, the Milan giants are beginning to find rhythm. A 2-0 Champions League victory over Ajax was followed by domestic wins over Sassuolo and Cagliari, before another convincing European night at San Siro earlier this week.
Against Slavia Prague, Lautaro Martínez capitalized on a defensive error to open the scoring, Denzel Dumfries doubled the lead, and Martínez struck again in the second half to seal the win. That result extended Inter’s unbeaten run at home in the Champions League to 17 games.
Now, Chivu’s men return to Serie A action with an eye on staying close to title rivals Napoli, Juventus, and AC Milan. They will be targeting a fifth consecutive win before the international break. Inter also boast a strong record against Saturday’s opponents, having beaten Cremonese twice in 2022–23, with Martínez scoring in both games.
Cremonese, though, cannot be underestimated. Davide Nicola’s side have collected nine points from their first six matches and sit just behind Inter on goal difference in seventh place. Last weekend, Federico Baschirotto’s second goal of the season secured a 1-1 draw with Como, keeping their unbeaten Serie A run intact.
The Grigiorossi have already shocked AC Milan at San Siro this season and also claimed victory over Sassuolo, alongside three consecutive draws. Although they suffered a Coppa Italia exit to Palermo on penalties, their resilience has impressed many who tipped them for relegation.
Returning to the fashion capital, Cremonese will be dreaming of pulling off another upset against their more decorated neighbors.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Inter will be without Marcus Thuram this weekend after the French striker picked up a thigh injury in Tuesday’s Champions League clash. His setback could also see him miss France’s next two internationals.
In Thuram’s absence, Cristian Chivu has a decision to make up front. Either youngster Francesco Pio Esposito or Ange Bonny is likely to partner captain Lautaro Martínez, who is in fine form after his midweek brace and already has three goals in just two previous meetings with Cremonese.
With a packed fixture list to manage, Chivu is expected to rotate his squad. Fringe players such as Davide Frattesi and Andy Diouf could be handed opportunities to impress if the coach opts to freshen things up.
Cremonese, on the other hand, have enjoyed the benefit of a full week’s preparation. Still, Davide Nicola will be without a few names, including former Inter goalkeeper Emil Audero, Michele Collocolo, and Faris Moumbagna.
Marco Silvestri is set to continue in goal after stepping in against Como, while Jamie Vardy is edging closer to full fitness and could push for his first Serie A start. However, Nicola has generally favored the experienced duo of Franco Vázquez and Antonio Sanabria in attack, with Federico Bonazzoli also in the mix.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Inter Milan possible starting lineup:
Sommer; Akanji, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Sucic, Dimarco; Bonny, Martinez
Cremonese possible starting lineup:
Audero; Terracciano, Baschirotto, Bianchetti; Zerbin, Grassi, Bondo, Vandeputte, Pezzella; Vazquez, Sanabria
EXPERT PREDICTION
Inter Milan 2-0 Cremonese
