Milan Stunned by Serie A Newcomers as Allegri and Modrić Era Begins with Defeat
AC Milan marked the return of Massimiliano Allegri and the much-anticipated debut of Luka Modrić with a shock 2-1 home defeat to newly-promoted opposition on the opening weekend of the 2025/26 Serie A season.
Bonazzoli's Bicycle Kick Seals Stunning Upset
Veteran striker Federico Bonazzoli was the hero for the visitors, netting the winning goal with a spectacular overhead kick in the 61st minute — eerily reminiscent of his iconic strike against Milan in 2022.
Modrić Debuts, Leão Sidelined
With Rafael Leão missing through injury, all eyes were on Luka Modrić, who started in midfield and showed flashes of his trademark control. But it was the underdogs who started brighter — Jiménez hit the post early and later had a goal ruled out for offside.
The opener came on 30 minutes when Federico Baschirotto rose highest to nod home a cross from Gianluca Zerbin. Pavlovic equalised for Milan just before half-time, converting from close range after a well-timed assist by Pervis Estupiñán.
Heroics from Audero, but Bonazzoli Delivers the Knockout Blow
After the break, Emil Audero made a series of crucial saves to keep Milan level, but there was no stopping Bonazzoli’s acrobatic finish just after the hour mark. Milan pushed forward in search of a late equaliser, but the newcomers defended resolutely to secure a famous win.
2025-26, Italy - Serie A
AC Milan - Cremonese 1:2 (1:1)
Goals: Baschirotto, 28 (0:1); Pavlović S., 45 (1:1); Bonazzoli F., 61 (1:2)
AC Milan: Maignan; Estupiñán (Jiménez Al., 46); Tomori (Chukwueze, 65); Pavlović S.; Fofana Y.; Loftus-Cheek; Modric (Jashari, 74); Gabbia; Saelemaekers; Pulisic; Gimenez S.
Bench: Terracciano; De Winter K.; Athekame; Bartesaghi; Ricci S.; Musah Y.
Cremonese: Audero; Pezzella; Baschirotto; Bianchetti; Collocolo; Terracciano F.; Grassi (Bondo, 56); Zerbin; Vandeputte (Payero, 56); Okereke (Sanabria, 65); Bonazzoli F.
Bench: Silvestri; Nava; Sernicola; Floriani; Ceccherini; Folino; Castagnetti; Lordkipanidze; De Luca M.
Yellow Cards: Grassi 48; Terracciano F. 69; Payero 77
