On an autumnal evening at the iconic San Siro, Inter Milan delivered a resounding statement of intent, dispatching an previously undefeated Cremonese side with a commanding 4-1 victory. The match was a spectacle, not just for the scoreline, but for the emergence of a new star who truly seized his moment.
The Rise of Ange Yoan Bonny: A Star is Born
While Lautaro Martinez opened Inter’s account, the night belonged unequivocally to Ange Yoan Bonny. Stepping into the formidable boots of the usual starter, Marcus Thuram, Bonny delivered a performance that was nothing short of devastating. His statistics speak volumes: a clinical goal and three decisive assists. For a player making his first start, this was not just a promising debut, it was a coronation. San Siro buzzed with the energy of a new hero, aptly nicknamed «BoLa»—a delightful pun combining the Portuguese word for «ball» with his own name, signifying his masterful control and influence on the game.
This stellar display highlights not only Bonny`s individual talent but also the depth and strategic vision within the Inter squad. It’s a testament to coach Cristian Chivu`s willingness to trust in his players, even those less experienced in the starting XI, and watch them flourish under pressure.
Chivu`s Tactical Blueprint: Aggression and Precision
Inter`s dominant victory was no accident; it was a clear manifestation of coach Cristian Chivu`s evolving tactical philosophy. The initial seconds of the match set the tone, with Frattesi narrowly missing an early opportunity, demonstrating Inter`s immediate intent. The team played with relentless high pressing, aggressive ball recovery, and a direct, vertical approach that repeatedly caught Cremonese off guard.
The goals themselves were textbook examples of this strategy:
- Lautaro`s opener (6`): Born from a swift interception by Barella, who immediately launched a perfectly weighted through-ball to Bonny. Bonny then provided a simple yet effective assist for Lautaro, showcasing the rapid transition from defense to attack. This was Lautaro`s fifth goal of the season, his third in the league.
- Bonny`s header (38`): A testament to the team`s «strong side.» The play developed down Inter`s left flank, with Bastoni drawing defenders wide, creating space for Federico Dimarco to surge forward and deliver a pinpoint cross for Bonny`s powerful header. Dimarco himself had a super performance, earning his second consecutive assist.
- Dimarco`s long-range stunner (55`): Again, emanating from the left. Bonny, having already impressed with his scoring and assisting, fed Dimarco, who unleashed a precise left-footed shot from outside the box, leaving Silvestri with no chance.
- Barella`s finish (57`): Almost immediately after, Inter struck again. Another attack forged on the left, culminating in Bonny`s third assist, this time for Nicolò Barella, who neatly slotted it home. This rapid-fire double confirmed Inter`s control.
The repeated success from the left flank wasn`t mere coincidence. As the article vividly describes, borrowing a cinematic reference, it’s Inter’s «strong side»—a deliberate tactical choice that sees players like Bastoni stretching the field and Dimarco exploiting the space, allowing the team to «hammer away» at their opponents with all their key attacking players.
Cremonese`s Unexpected Challenge and a Minor Blip
Cremonese arrived at San Siro with an impressive unbeaten record, suggesting they would pose a significant challenge. However, Chivu`s Inter proved to be a different beast. Despite their previous resilience, Cremonese never truly found their rhythm, struggling to cope with Inter`s intensity and tactical fluidity. Their consolation goal, scored by former Inter player Bonazzoli (87`), served as a minor blip for Inter rather than a genuine shift in momentum.
Interestingly, the build-up to Bonazzoli`s goal involved a misplaced pass from Diouf, leading to a recovery by Vardy and a cross that found its target. This momentary lapse, highlighted with a touch of irony by the reporter, suggests there`s always a little room for improvement, even in a dominant performance. Coach Chivu, known for his meticulous approach, will undoubtedly use the upcoming international break to fine-tune these small details.
Inter`s Trajectory: A New Era Under Chivu
This 4-1 triumph marks Inter`s fifth consecutive victory across all competitions (Serie A and Champions League), underlining their phenomenal form. It`s not just about winning; it`s about *how* they are winning. With 22 different players featuring in the last eight matches, Chivu has demonstrated remarkable squad depth management, fostering a competitive environment where players are ready to step up and deliver.
The «Chivu era» appears to be defined by a dynamic, exciting brand of football that has clearly energized the team and its supporters. As they continue their pursuit of the coveted «tricolor treasure island»—the Serie A title—performances like this against Cremonese, spearheaded by the likes of Ange Yoan Bonny, serve as powerful declarations of intent. Inter are not just sailing; they are charting a new, exhilarating course.
Elton Marrow