Indonesian National Team Goalkeeper Audero Shines In Serie A, Milan Becomes First Victim
JAKARTA - Cremonese pulled off a major upset by defeating AC Milan 2-1 in their first match of the Italian League season at the San Siro Stadium, early Sunday, August 24th, WIB.
Indonesian national team goalkeeper Emil Audero performed brilliantly when entrusted with the starting role in goal for the newly promoted team.
As quoted by ANTARA, goals from Federico Baschirotto and Federico Bonazzoli secured three points for the newly promoted team, while Strahinja Pavlovic scored for Milan.
This victory moved Cremonese to second place in the standings, while AC Milan is in 18th place with zero points, according to the Italian League website.
Milan immediately attacked. In the 4th minute, Santiago Gimenez nearly opened the scoring, but his shot, which deflected off an opponent, only hit the post.
A second chance came in the 17th minute when Pervis Estupinan's shot from outside the penalty area went wide.
One minute later, Gimenez's goal was disallowed for offside after he finished off a long pass with a powerful shot.
Cremonese began to find their rhythm in the 23rd minute. Federico Bonazzoli exploited a gap in the Milan defense, but his shot was saved by goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
Cremonese then scored in the 28th minute. Federico Baschirotto scored with a powerful header after receiving a pass from Giuseppe Pezzella that Maignan couldn't stop.
Milan equalized near the end of the first half. Cremonese's defensive error was exploited by Alexis Saelemaekers, who won the ball and passed it to Estupinan.
Estupinan's cross was headed by Strahinja Pavlovic, beating goalkeeper Emil Audero to make it 1-1.
In the second half, Milan increased the pressure. In the 53rd minute, Luka Modric and Christian Pulisic threatened the Cremonese goal with long-range shots and powerful shots, but Audero made two crucial saves.
Malick Fofana also had a chance, but was again thwarted by Audero.
Cremonese restored their one-goal lead in the 61st minute through a beautiful Bonazzoli goal. Receiving a cross from Baschirotto, Bonazzoli scored with an overhead kick that beat Maignan.
Milan continued to push for an equalizer, including Pulisic, who nearly scored in the 64th minute with a curling shot that missed the target.
In injury time, Gimenez's final effort from a tight angle was thwarted by Baschirotto, sealing the win for Cremonese.
This victory is a strong signal that Cremonese are ready to compete in Serie A this season, while Milan must quickly bounce back to improve their performance.
Starting Lineups
AC Milan: Maignan, Tomori (Chukwueze 65'), Gabbia, Pavlovic, Saelemaekers, Loftus-Cheek, Modric (Jashari 74'), Fofana, Estupinan (Jimenez 46'), Pulisic, Gimenez.
Cremonese: Audero, Terracciano, Baschirotto, Bianchetti (Ceccherini 84'), Zerbin, Collocolo, Grassi (Bondo 56'), Vandeputte (Payere 56'), Pezzella, Okereke (Sanabria 65'), Bonazzoli (De Luca 84').