1. Main Players Comparison
AC Milan:
- Core retained but with several key exits (Reijnders, Theo Hernández, Malick Thiaw, Calabria, Maignan’s (GK) support rotation in defense.
- Still heavily reliant on Leão (8G, 8A), Pulisic (11G, 9A), and Fofana (6G).
- Maignan (GK) remains the stabilizer in defense (37 apps).
- Defensive rotation weakened with Pavlovic + Tomori covering but depth thinned.
- Attack boosted by Rafael Leão, Pulisic, and Abraham/Morata new arrivals (~16G combined).
- Overall: ~40 goals, ~25 assists output remains solid.
US Cremonese:
- Squad reshaped with multiple new arrivals in defense and goalkeeping.
- Main strength in defense with Baschirotto (CB) and Pezzella (LB) joining.
- Midfield reinforced with Bondo and Grassi — more balance, but lacking creative star.
- Attack lost Falletti (AM) and Zunno (LW) without high-profile replacements.
- More focused on defensive solidity than attacking power.
2. New Players Comparison
AC Milan:
- Key Ins: Luka Modrić (CM), Morata (FWD), Giménez (FWD), Estupiñán (LB), Ricci (CM).
- Experienced rotation: Modrić adds control, Morata/Giménez add finishing.
- Emerson Royal and Walker strengthen wide defense.
- Sub productivity: Chukwueze (3G, 2A), João Félix (2G), Giménez (5G, 2A).
- Net effect: attacking reinforcements outweigh defensive exits.
US Cremonese:
- Key Ins: Baschirotto (CB), Pezzella (LB), Fulignati (GK), Silvestri (GK), Audero (GK).
- Depth rebuilt around goalkeeping + backline stability.
- Zerbin (LW) adds pace but not yet proven at top Serie A output.
- Midfield boosted with Grassi + Bondo but lacks a high-profile playmaker.
- Overall, signings suggest a defense-first rebuild.
3. Substitutes Comparison
AC Milan:
- Bench now includes Chukwueze (3G, 2A), Giménez (5G, 2A), Loftus-Cheek (box-to-box), and João Félix (2G).
- Multi-role coverage: strong offensive substitutes and versatile defenders.
- ⭐ Bench impact likely high in closing stages.
US Cremonese:
- Sub depth weaker, relying on newcomers like Terracciano (RB), Zerbin (LW), and Grassi (DM).
- Goalkeeper rotation heavy (Silvestri, Audero, Fulignati, Nava).
- Lack of proven Serie A scorers off the bench is a key limitation.
4. Consolidated Quality Scorecard
Category | AC Milan ⭐ Rating | US Cremonese ⭐ Rating |
Main Players | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Leão, Pulisic, Fofana, Maignan) | ⭐⭐ (defense-focused, limited attack) |
New Players | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Modrić, Morata, Giménez, Estupiñán) | ⭐⭐⭐ (Baschirotto, Pezzella, multiple GKs) |
Substitutes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Chukwueze, Giménez, Félix impact) | ⭐⭐ (unproven offensive depth) |
Coach Factor | Stable (Pioli, experience in big games) | Transitional rebuild, survival focus |
Defensive Impact | Lost Thiaw/Calabria depth, but Pavlovic/Tomori cover | Rebuilt with Baschirotto, Pezzella, multiple GKs |
Overall Depth | High | Thin |
Key Weakness | Defense depth lost with Thiaw/Calabria exits | Lack of creative/attacking playmaker |
5. Predicted Outcome
Tactical Outlook:
- AC Milan will dominate possession through Modrić + Ricci and rely on Leão & Pulisic width.
- Cremonese will sit deep, relying on defensive compactness from Baschirotto & Pezzella.
- Expect AC Milan’s substitutes to tilt the game late if initial chances are blocked.
Expected Scoreline:
- AC Milan 2 – 0 Cremonese
