The 2025-26 Serie A season launches with a compelling clash at San Siro, where AC Milan face newly promoted Cremonese on August 23, 2025, at 7:45 p.m. BST.
After a disappointing eighth-place finish last season, the Rossoneri, now under Massimiliano Allegri’s second tenure, are eager to reclaim their status as Italian football giants. Cremonese, fresh from their Serie B playoff victory, aim to defy the odds despite a challenging history against Milan.
With new signings and tactical adjustments on both sides, this opener promises drama. Here’s a detailed look at the key players to watch. For betting tips, the famous pronostici vincenti on feedinco offers the best predictions and more.
AC Milan - A squad geared for a comeback:
Milan’s 2024-25 season was plagued by inconsistency, leading to the exit of coaches Paulo Fonseca and Sergio Conceicao. Allegri’s return, paired with a revamped squad, has sparked optimism. Their recent 2-0 Coppa Italia win over Bari showcased their attacking potential, even without Rafael Leao, who is out with a calf injury. New additions like Luka Modric, Ardon Jashari, and Koni De Winter bolster the roster. Here are the Rossoneri’s standout players for this match.
Christian Pulisic - The American star:
Christian Pulisic, the USMNT captain, is Milan’s attacking linchpin in Leao’s absence. Since joining in 2023, he has notched 33 goals and 20 assists in 100 appearances across all competitions. His recent Coppa Italia strike against Bari, a slick turn and finish, demonstrated his ability to unlock defenses. At 27, Pulisic’s pace, dribbling, and long-range shooting will test Cremonese’s backline, led by Federico Baschirotto. The famous pronostici calcio tips him as a likely anytime goalscorer at 7/5 odds, making him a focal point for Milan’s attack. Expect him to exploit the right flank, cutting inside to create or score.
Santiago Gimenez - The main striker:
With Alvaro Morata, Luka Jovic, and Tammy Abraham gone, and Noah Okafor transferred to Leeds, Santiago Gimenez steps up as Milan’s primary striker. The Mexican forward, who scored a stoppage-time goal against Bologna last season, brings physicality and clinical finishing. His movement and aerial ability could exploit Cremonese’s relatively untested defense. Supported by Pulisic and Alexis Saelemaekers, Gimenez is poised to make an impact. He’s a strong contender to open his Serie A account, with odds of 2/1 to score in this match.
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Luka Modric - The midfield general:
At 39, Luka Modric’s arrival from Real Madrid is a coup for Milan. The Croatian legend, with seven Champions League titles, brings unmatched vision and composure. Paired with Youssouf Fofana and Ardon Jashari, Modric will dictate the game’s tempo against Cremonese’s compact midfield. His pinpoint passes to Pulisic or Gimenez could unlock the opposition defense. Watch for Modric to control the midfield battle, setting the stage for Milan’s attacking moves.
Cremonese: the Underdogs' Resolve:
Cremonese, guided by survival specialist Davide Nicola, return to Serie A with 13 new signings, including Antonio Sanabria and Jari Vandeputte. Despite a Coppa Italia loss to Palermo, their 2-2 draws against Milan in 2022-23 show they can compete. With a tough away record against the Rossoneri (one point in eight visits), Cremonese will rely on these players to challenge.
Jari Vandeputte: the playmaking threat:
Jari Vandeputte, Cremonese’s 29-year-old attacking midfielder, boasts 28 assists since 2023-24, a tally rivaling Europe’s top playmakers. His set-piece delivery and vision will test Milan’s defense, anchored by Fikayo Tomori and Strahinja Pavlovic. Vandeputte’s interplay with wingers Alessio Zerbin and Giuseppe Pezzella could spark counterattacks, feeding strikers like Manuel De Luca. He’s a key figure for Cremonese’s upset hopes, with 4/1 odds for an assist in this match.
Manuel de Luca: the striker's challenge:
Manuel De Luca, Cremonese’s 27-year-old forward, led the team with 10 goals in Serie B last season. Despite a goalless Coppa Italia outing, his physicality and finishing make him a threat, especially against a Milan defense adjusting to Tomori’s recent injury concerns. De Luca’s ability to pounce on mistakes could keep Cremonese in the game. He’s listed at 7/2 to score anytime, a potential value pick for the bet of the day.
Emil Audero: the goalkeeping wall:
Emil Audero, on loan from Inter Milan, faces a tough task in goal against Milan’s potent attack. His Serie A experience and quick reflexes will be tested by Pulisic’s shots and Gimenez’s headers. Cremonese’s likely back three of Baschirotto, Pietro Terracciano, and Luca Bianchetti will depend on Audero’s saves to stay competitive. His performance could be the difference in a tight contest.
Tactical insights and predictions:
Milan are favorites, with a 6-2 head-to-head advantage over Cremonese and four wins in their last five Serie A openers. Allegri’s probable 4-3-3, featuring Mike Maignan in goal, a backline of Tomori, Matteo Gabbia, Pavlovic, and Pervis Estupinan, and a midfield of Modric, Fofana, and Jashari, should dominate possession. Cremonese’s 3-5-2 under Nicola will prioritize defensive solidity and counterattacks, led by Vandeputte and De Luca. The absence of Cremonese’s Tommaso Barbieri, Mattia Valoti, and Warren Bondo (ineligible against Milan) limits their options.
The bet of the day predicts a Milan win with over 2.5 goals at 21/20 odds. This aligns with trends: 87% of Milan’s home games and 94% of Cremonese’s away matches have produced over two goals. Pulisic and Gimenez are likely to breach Cremonese’s defense, while Vandeputte and De Luca could capitalize on any Milan errors.
Conclusion:
This Serie A opener at San Siro is a chance for AC Milan to signal their intent under Allegri, with Pulisic, Gimenez, and Modric set to shine. Cremonese, led by Vandeputte, De Luca, and Audero, will fight to upset the odds. Fans can expect a high-energy clash, with Milan’s quality likely to prevail on sports level.
