The Serie A 2025/26 season has witnessed a dramatic shift at the top, as Inter soared eight points clear following a dominant 2-0 victory over Cremonese at Stadio Giovanni Zini. The Nerazzurri’s clinical first-half performance all but decided the contest, cementing Inter’s status as clear favorites in this year’s fiercely competitive Italian top flight.
Cremonese spark and the early Inter threat
The match started with a flurry of action, suggesting Cremonese might trouble the league leaders. Francesco Pio Esposito threatened early, coaxing a save from Emil Audero, yet it was Inter who quickly turned up the heat. Petar Sucic and Lautaro Martinez both let fly from distance, just missing the target—but the warning signs were clear. Federico Dimarco delivered a pinpoint corner that Martinez powered home with a thumping header in the 16th minute. It was a statement of intent—Inter are not just leading; they’re dictating the pace.
Federico Ceccherini nearly hit back instantly for Cremonese but dragged his shot wide, missing a pivotal opportunity to shift the momentum. From that moment, Inter appeared in near total control.
Zieleinski’s stunner and Inter’s attacking firepower
Inter’s offensive arsenal was on full display just after the half-hour mark. Luis Henrique, blending pace and vision, carved his way through the right and set up Piotr Zielinski. The Polish maestro unleashed a breathtaking long-range drive into the top-right corner, leaving Audero helpless. Moments like this underscore why Inter are feared for their creative depth—anyone can be the hero in blue and black.
While Yann Sommer was called into action as Federico Bonazzoli nearly capitalized on Yann Bisseck misstep, it was little more than a blip in Inter’s momentum. Cremonese, though spirited, failed to produce consistent threats, a testament to Inter’s organized defense and game management skills.
Second half control and individual brilliance
After the break, Inter’s priorities shifted to game management. Holding 69.1% possession, the Nerazzurri dictated tempo, frustrating Cremonese and starving them of meaningful opportunities. Alessio Zurbin’s late strike against the post was as close as the hosts came to a consolation, while Inter themselves nearly put the match beyond doubt on the counter, Dimarco’s strike being well saved.
By the final whistle, the stat sheet told a compelling story:
- Inter: 15 shots, 1.34 expected goals (xG)
- Cremonese: 9 shots, 0.6 xG
From start to finish, Inter’s superiority was never in doubt—they simply outclassed their opposition and proved why they’re leaders of Serie A.
Lautaro Martinez’s milestone and Inter’s rich tradition
Lautaro Martinez’s goal wasn’t simply his 13th league strike this season—it secured him a place in Inter’s illustrious history. By reaching 128 Serie A goals for the Nerazzurri, Martinez has now equaled the legendary Alessandro Altobelli, becoming the club’s joint-fourth top scorer in Serie A. Only Giuseppe Meazza (197), Benito Lorenzi (138), and Stefano Nyers (133) stand above him. Martinez’s trajectory is not just about numbers; it’s a story of leadership and ambition—a player driving his club toward glory.
Inter’s eight-point lead now casts a long shadow over the title race. Their blend of attacking flair, historical achievement, and tactical discipline poses a daunting challenge for any Serie A rival. With the season’s climax looming, the question resonates—a question for all fans and rivals alike: Can anyone halt Inter’s march?