Inter Milan Face Injury Crisis Against Determined Cremonese

It’s a chilly February evening at the Stadio Giovanni Zini, and anticipation is thick in the air as bottom-half Cremonese welcomes Serie A leaders Inter Milan for a contest that, on paper, looks like a classic David vs. Goliath matchup. But as any seasoned Italian football fan will tell you, nothing in this league is ever quite that simple.

Both teams come into this Week 23 clash with plenty at stake and a fair share of headaches. Inter, flying high at the top of the table, have been riding a wave of confidence after their recent 2-0 Champions League win away at Borussia Dortmund. That victory, while not enough to avoid the play-offs in Europe, certainly boosted morale and underlined the Nerazzurri’s growing pedigree under coach Cristian Chivu. Yet, as they prepare to face a tricky Cremonese side, Inter’s squad sheet reads more like a hospital ward than a title-chasing roster. Key midfielders Nicolò Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu, along with Denzel Dumfries and Carlos Augusto, are all sidelined with injuries. It’s a situation that’s forced Chivu to shuffle his deck and hand starts to some fresh faces.

Leading the line for Inter tonight are Lautaro Martinez and the promising Francesco Pio Esposito, both of whom were rested midweek and return with fresh legs. Davide Frattesi, who has been the subject of transfer whispers linking him to Nottingham Forest, is back in the starting lineup, eager to prove his worth. The midfield is further bolstered by Piotr Zielinski, who, speaking to Inter TV on the eve of the match, issued a clear warning: “You can’t underestimate anyone. Cremonese have shown this season that they belong at this level. We have to step onto the pitch concentrated, determined and with a real desire to win.” Zielinski’s words echo the mood in the Inter dressing room—a mixture of caution and ambition, with the knowledge that a win tonight could see them stretch their lead over second-placed Milan to eight points.

Inter’s defensive trio features Alessandro Bastoni, Manuel Akanji, and Yann Bisseck, a combination that’s fast becoming Chivu’s preferred choice. Bastoni, in particular, returns to the starting eleven after being benched midweek, while Luis Henrique retains his spot on the right flank, despite persistent transfer rumors involving Bournemouth and Besiktas. The Brazilian’s continued inclusion is as much a testament to his ability as it is to Inter’s lack of depth due to injuries and the club’s inability to secure a replacement in the January window.

For Cremonese, the story is one of grit and survival. Davide Nicola’s men have made a name for themselves as giant-killers this season, with memorable victories over Milan and Bologna, and dogged draws against the likes of Como, Atalanta, and Lazio. However, recent form makes for grim reading: eight Serie A matches without a win, including five consecutive away games without a goal. Their last league triumph came way back at the start of December—a 2-0 win over Lecce. Since then, the goals have dried up, and the points have been hard to come by. Still, with a six-point cushion above the relegation zone, there’s everything to play for.

Cremonese’s squad is stretched thin. Tommaso Barbieri serves a suspension, while Michele Collocolo, Warren Bondo, Martin Payero, Antonio Sanabria, and Faris Moumbagna are all nursing injuries. New signings Milan Djuric and Youssef Maleh are available off the bench, but the bulk of the responsibility will fall on veteran striker Jamie Vardy and his partner Federico Bonazzoli. Alessio Zerbin, usually deployed further forward, drops into midfield, highlighting the tactical adjustments Nicola has been forced to make.

The confirmed starting lineups reflect both teams’ challenges. For Cremonese: Audero in goal; Terracciano, Baschirotto, and Folino at the back; Pezzella, Maleh, Zerbin, Grassi, and Ceccherini across midfield; with Bonazzoli and Vardy up top. Inter responds with Sommer between the sticks; Bisseck, Akanji, and Bastoni in defense; Henrique, Frattesi, Sucic, Zielinski, and Dimarco across the middle; and the dynamic duo of Pio Esposito and Lautaro Martinez leading the attack.

Historically, this fixture has been a happy hunting ground for Inter. They boast an 82.4% win rate against Cremonese in Serie A, their highest against any club they’ve faced more than ten times. The Nerazzurri have won their last seven visits to the Giovanni Zini and are undefeated in their last six away league games, including three consecutive clean sheets. They also have a knack for fast starts, having scored a league-high eight opening goals inside the first 15 minutes this season. If there’s ever a time for Cremonese to buck the trend, it’s now—but the odds are stacked against them.

Despite the lopsided statistics, Inter’s Piotr Zielinski isn’t taking anything for granted. “Winning is fundamental, like in every match. We must play our game and be the best version of ourselves,” he told Inter TV, reflecting the team’s focus and respect for their opponent. The pressure is on Inter to deliver, especially with Napoli’s win yesterday narrowing the gap at the top. Chivu’s men know that dropping points here could open the door for their chasing rivals.

For Cremonese, the challenge is as much psychological as it is tactical. They’ve failed to win any of the ten Serie A matches in which they’ve fallen behind this season. That stat alone underscores the importance of a solid start, especially against a side as ruthless as Inter. Yet, football has a way of springing surprises, and with the home crowd behind them, Nicola’s men will fancy their chances of at least making life uncomfortable for the visitors.

As the teams take to the pitch, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Inter’s injury woes have forced them to dig deep into their squad, testing their title credentials in the process. Cremonese, meanwhile, are fighting to keep their heads above water in a fiercely competitive relegation battle. With the match underway, all eyes are on the Giovanni Zini—will Inter’s class prevail, or can Cremonese pull off another shock?

One thing’s for sure: in Serie A, expect the unexpected. With both teams hungry for points and plenty of storylines bubbling beneath the surface, this encounter promises drama, determination, and perhaps a twist or two before the final whistle blows.