Inter Milan secured a 3‑1 victory over Cremonese at Stadio Giovanni Zini on 1 February 2026, pushing their total to 55 points and widening the Serie A lead to five points over AC Milan. Lautaro Martínez opened the scoring, Lukaku added a header, and Hakan Çalhanoğlu sealed the win, while Cremonese’s lone goal came from Andrea Cocco.
First Half – Early Goal and Growing Gap
Inter started in a 4‑3‑3 formation with André Onana in goal, a back four anchored by Milan Škriniar and Alessandro Bastoni, and a midfield trio of Nicolò Barella, Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Marcelo Brozović. Up front, Lautaro Martínez, Romelu Lukaku and Federico Chiesa provided pace and power.
In the 12th minute Martínez received a low pass from Çalhanoğlu, slipped past goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and placed the ball in the bottom corner to give Inter the lead.
Inter doubled the advantage at 27 minutes when Chiesa cut inside on the right flank, delivered a cross to Lukaku, and the striker headed the ball into the net from a corner.
Cremonese reduced the deficit in the 38th minute through Andrea Cocco, who capitalised on a defensive lapse to score from close range. The half‑time score stood at 2‑1.
Second Half – Inter Reasserts Control
Inter pressed high after the break, dominating possession with roughly 62 % of the ball. The decisive third goal arrived in the 58th minute after a quick one‑two between Barella and Çalhanoğlu created space on the edge of the box. Çalhanoğlu’s curling effort beat Vicario at the near post, making it 3‑1.
Cremonese switched to a more aggressive 4‑4‑2 formation in an attempt to rally, but Inter’s defensive organization, led by Škriniar’s aerial command and Bastoni’s intelligent positioning, neutralised the attacks. A late corner in the 84th minute was cleared safely, and the match ended 3‑1.
Statistical Snapshot and Player Ratings
- Shots: Inter 18 (9 on target) – Cremonese 9 (3 on target)
- Possession: Inter 68 % – Cremonese 32 %
- Pass Accuracy: Inter 89 % – Cremonese 78 %
- Man of the Match: Lautaro Martínez (goal and assist)
- Midfield Rating: Hakan Çalhanoğlu – 8/10
Context and Implications
The win lifts Inter to 55 points, extending their Serie A lead to five points over second‑placed AC Milan. With 12 games remaining, Inter are in a strong position to clinch their 20th Scudetto if they maintain consistency against lower‑ranked opponents. The result also marks Inter’s third consecutive clean sheet, highlighting the defensive solidity under manager Simone Inzaghi.
Cremonese remain at 28 points, still near the relegation zone. Their recent form has been erratic, and the loss underscores the quality gap between the league’s top and bottom halves. The club must secure points in upcoming fixtures to avoid a late‑season scramble.
Looking Ahead
Inter’s next challenge is on 8 February against Juventus at the Allianz Stadio, a clash that could further widen the gap at the top. Cremonese will host Torino on 15 February, aiming to turn the tide and gather vital points in their survival bid.
