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Serie A 2025/26 kicks off with an interesting challenge at the San Siro, where AC Milan host Cremonese on the first day. This is the first time the two teams will cross paths in the first game of the Serie A season; in the past, their battles had only come from matchday three onwards. An unprecedented context that adds curiosity to the challenge, leaving room for the possibility of a few surprises.
Cremonese return to the top flight after a positive season in Serie B that culminated in promotion. For the Grigiorossa, it will be a demanding start against a Milan side who have ambitions for the top and can count on a more complete and experienced squad. The technical distance between the two remains marked, but the enthusiasm of the newly promoted team could make the outcome of the match less predictable than the predictions might suggest.
With this in mind, let's take a look at some game tips and an overview of the best odds available on bet365.
AC Milan vs Cremonese, Saturday 23 August, 19:45 BST
Over 2.5 goals - 4/6 on bet365
Milan win without conceding a goal - 6/5 on bet365
Odds courtesy of bet365, Sisal and GoldBet. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
Milan ready to start on the right foot
Milan come into their Serie A opener with good reason to aim for success. Looking at the numbers, Allegri's side have won four of their last five opening league games, only drawing 2-2 draw against Torino in 2023. Not only that, they start this year at the San Siro, in front of their own fans, an element that can give them an extra push towards the three points.
On the other hand, the Rossoneri's friendlies have shown fluctuating form: a prestigious victory over Liverpool, but that's accompanied by defeats against Arsenal and Chelsea and a draw with Leeds. On the other hand, the 2-0 win over Bari in the Coppa Italia was convincing. Their start in Serie A thus becomes the ideal occasion to make the season's ambitions clear, this time in an official context after the preseason tests.
On the opposite front, the stats clearly go against Cremonese. The newly-promoted side has lost all eight matches they have played on the first day of Serie A, always away, and among the teams with 100 per cent defeats in the opener, they are the ones with the most appearances. A statistic that carries weight.
Tip: Milan to win - 1/3 on bet365
Bet explanation: This bet wins if Milan win the match by any score.
Over 2.5 goals: a solid choice
Milan ended last season with an average of 2.56 goals scored per game, a figure that strongly signals towards the over 2.5 bet coming in against Cremonese. The offensive impact of Allegri's team remains among the highest in Serie A, supported by players capable of turning every opportunity into a goal.
Among the most eagerly awaited protagonists is Christian Pulisic, who has become one of the Rossoneri's key men since his arrival in Italy. In two seasons, he has already scored 33 goals and 20 assists, always finishing in double figures. With Rafael Leao unavailable due to a calf sprain suffered in the Coppa Italia, it will be the American who will shoulder the weight of the offensive manoeuvre. In this scenario, the over 2.5 bet seems a logical one, supported by the numbers.
Tip: Over 2.5 goals - 4/6 on bet365
Bet explanation: This bet is winning if a total of at least three goals are scored.
Milan win without conceding goals: track record in their favour
In addition to their offensive strength, Milan can count on a defence that often excelled in their opening matches. The Meneghini have conceded just two goals in total in their last five Serie A openers, confirming their ability to maintain a high level of concentration from the start of the season.
Cremonese, on the other hand, have lost all of their eight Serie A debut matches, never managing to score more than one goal. Considering also the technical gap between the two teams, betting on a Milan success with an clean sheet becomes an interesting choice, especially at 6/5 odds on bet365, which offers good value.
Tip: Milan winning without conceding a goal - 6/5 on bet365
Bet explanation: If Milan win without conceding a goal, the bet is a winner.
Odds on Milan v Cremonese
Cremonese to win - 8/1 on bet365
Odds correct at time of publication and subject to change.
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If you want to bet on Serie A, Flashscore can help. On our betting bonus page you will find a selection of the best promotions and bonus codes available on the market.
Odds correct at time of publication and subject to change.