AC Milan vs Cremonese Prediction & Betting Tips (23 August)

AC Milan kick off their Serie A campaign with a home clash against newly promoted Cremonese, and the Rossoneri are eager to set the tone for a season of redemption. Under the returning stewardship of Massimiliano Allegri, Milan have undergone a tactical reshuffle, leaning into a 3-5-2 formation that emphasizes width and transitional play. Luka Modric, Ardon Jashari, and Samuele Ricci headline a midfield overhaul, while Rafael Leão and Santiago Giménez are expected to lead the line—though Leão’s calf injury sustained in the Coppa Italia win over Bari casts doubt on his availability. Allegri may opt for Christian Pulisic if fit, or rotate with Moise Kean, who has been touted as a potential late signing.

Cremonese arrive at San Siro with the hunger of a side freshly returned to the top flight. Davide Nicola, a specialist in Serie A survival, has taken the reins following Giovanni Stroppa’s departure and is already shaping the team with pragmatic intent. The Grigiorossi have added experience and grit through signings like Federico Baschirotto and Alessio Zerbin, while Marco Silvestri shores up the goalkeeping department. Felix Afena-Gyan, back from a loan spell at Juventus Next Gen, impressed in preseason and could be a key figure in Cremonese’s counter-attacking setup. However, the team’s lack of firepower remains a concern, with negotiations for Torino’s Antonio Sanabria reportedly stalling.

Both teams enter the match with contrasting trajectories. Milan’s preseason included emphatic wins over Liverpool and Perth Glory, though losses to Arsenal and Chelsea exposed defensive frailties. Allegri’s side did manage a composed 2-0 win over Bari in the Coppa Italia, showcasing improved ball retention and midfield control. Cremonese, meanwhile, edged past Spezia and Juve Stabia in their playoff run but stumbled in their Coppa Italia opener against Palermo, losing on penalties. Nicola’s side has shown resilience but will need more than grit to contain Milan’s midfield dominance and attacking depth.

Expect a tightly contested affair, with Milan likely to dominate possession and Cremonese relying on quick transitions. The Rossoneri’s revamped midfield should prove decisive, especially if Modric and Jashari dictate tempo early. While Cremonese may snatch a goal through Afena-Gyan or a set-piece opportunity, Milan’s quality in the final third should see them edge the match. A 2-1 scoreline in favor of AC Milan feels fitting—reflecting both the promise of Allegri’s rebuild and the spirited resistance of a side fighting to prove they belong.