-myKhel Team

AC Milan responded to their shock defeat against Parma by grinding out a 2-0 victory away to Cremonese, restoring some calm in their Serie A campaign. Strahinja Pavlovic struck in the 89th minute before Rafael Leao added a stoppage-time goal to seal the win.

The result followed a 1-0 loss to Parma at San Siro, which ended Milan’s 24-match unbeaten league run and had left pressure building. Their winless spell was close to stretching to three games, but the late breakthrough kept Milan within 10 points of Serie A leaders Inter.

Milan’s performance at Cremonese also protected an impressive away record. Milan are one of two teams yet to lose on the road in the current big five European leagues so far (alongside Bayern Munich). It is just the second time the Rossoneri have remained unbeaten across their first 14 away games of a Serie A season in the three-points-per-win era (also 2003-04, first 16).

The visitors combined that resilience with attacking volume, registering an expected goals (xG) figure of 3.6, their highest in this league season. Milan finished with 20 attempts, including six on target, and claimed a 12th clean sheet of the campaign as Cremonese struggled to create clear chances.

Massimiliano Allegri underlined how much the Parma defeat had weighed on the squad during the build-up and early stages. “We’d just come off a home loss to Parma,” said Allegri in his post-match press conference. “Leaving here with a bad result would have been tough. We were a bit nervous in the first 30 minutes because the Parma loss after six months without defeat lingered with us, but today’s win allows us to move on.”

Allegri highlighted the contribution of Milan’s forwards and substitutes during a crowded part of the schedule. He said: “The lads did well, both those who started and those who came on. Both Leao and Pulisic are growing, [and] Nkunku and Fullkrug did well after coming on.” The coach stressed the depth available in attacking positions.

Leao’s decisive second goal added individual significance to the night. Leao’s goal made him just the second Serie A player, after Lautaro Martinez, to be involved in more than 10 goals over the last six Serie A seasons. The forward continues to play a central role in Milan’s attacking plans.

The focus now shifts towards the Derby della Madonnina against Inter, where Milan aim to cut the gap further and keep slim title hopes alive. Allegri looked ahead, saying: “Now we have a week to prepare for the derby, which is going to be a fantastic match,” with Milan entering the clash buoyed by their late win and strong away form.

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