After the clear 3-0 victory against Slavia Prague in the Champions League, Inter return to focus on Serie A as they host Davide Nicola’s Cremonese at San Siro, one of the surprises of this early season. After five rounds, the two teams are level at 9 points, just three behind the leading trio of AC Milan, Napoli, and Roma. Cristian Chivu’s side, after an inconsistent start, has found stability both in the league and in Europe, and by beating Cremonese they could realistically rejoin the Scudetto race. The opportunity is even more enticing considering this round’s clashes: AC Milan and Napoli face each other, while Roma will have a tough trip away to Fiorentina, still searching for their first win. However, the Nerazzurri cannot afford any lapses against an unbeaten Cremonese. The Grigiorossi, after two opening wins, have drawn their last three matches but remain one of the league’s surprises. Nicola, with all his experience, knows this San Siro match is high-risk, but his team has already shown they can trouble the big clubs: the clearest example is the stunning win at San Siro against AC Milan on the opening day. Chivu will have to ensure Inter don’t underestimate the visitors’ enthusiasm, looking to seal the game early and prepare in the best possible way for the decisive upcoming Serie A clash against Roma.

Inter's recent form and key stats

Inter come into this league match in excellent form, with four straight wins across Serie A and the Champions League. Just last Tuesday, the Nerazzurri defeated Slavia Prague 3-0 in the Champions League group stage, while in their last Serie A outing they won 2-0 away at Cagliari.

Cristian Chivu’s team have so far collected 9 points in Serie A, with 3 wins and 2 defeats, averaging 2.6 goals scored (best attack in the league) and 1.4 conceded per game. Across all competitions, their defensive solidity has improved significantly recently, keeping 3 clean sheets in their last 4 matches.

At home, Inter’s record stands at 1 defeat and 3 wins, averaging 2.75 goals scored and only 0.75 conceded per game. The Nerazzurri have won their last two matches at San Siro: 2-1 against Sassuolo and 3-0 against Slavia Prague. Their biggest win came on Serie A Matchday 1, a 5-0 demolition of Torino on August 25.

Cremonese's recent form and key stats

The Grigiorossi are coming off a solid 1-1 away draw against Como, a side with European ambitions. For Davide Nicola’s men, it was their third straight draw, following goalless results against Verona and Parma, both direct relegation rivals.

After the first five Serie A rounds, Cremonese remain unbeaten with 9 points, thanks to 2 wins and 3 draws, averaging 1.2 goals scored and 0.8 conceded per match. Their main strength has been the defense, which has kept two clean sheets in their last three Serie A fixtures. Much credit goes to Federico Baschirotto, their defensive leader and already decisive in attack with 2 goals scored.

In their first three away games of the season, Nicola’s team have registered 1 win and 2 draws, scoring 3 goals and conceding just 2. Their only away victory so far was the 2-1 triumph at San Siro against AC Milan on the opening matchday.

Inter vs Cremonese prediction and tactical overview

The prediction for Inter vs Cremonese clearly leans towards a home win, with the Nerazzurri determined to claim what would be their fifth consecutive victory across all competitions. Chivu’s side have a clear target: collect maximum points before their big Serie A Matchday 7 clash with Roma.

The head-to-head record also favors Inter, who have won seven of the last eight encounters with Cremonese, with one draw completing the balance. The Grigiorossi’s last victory dates back to the 1991/92 season, highlighting the historic gap between these two teams.

In terms of lineups, Chivu could rotate slightly, giving minutes to those who didn’t start against Slavia Prague. Up front, Marcus Thuram might be rested after picking up a knock, while Lautaro Martinez is expected to feature, having scored 3 goals in his last two matches.

On the Cremonese side, the usual doubts remain in attack, with Bonazzoli and Sanabria currently favorites to start. Jamie Vardy, the former Leicester City icon, is set to return to the bench after recovering from injury.

• Inter vs Cremonese prediction by BetMines: Inter win (1) – 63% probability
  
  
• Inter vs Cremonese prediction by BetMines: Draw (X) – 23% probability
  
  
• Inter vs Cremonese prediction by BetMines: Cremonese win (2) – 15% probability

Predicted lineups Inter vs Cremonese

INTER (3-5-2): Sommer; Akanji, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Bonny, Martinez L. Coach: Cristian Chivu

CREMONESE (3-5-2): Silvestri; Ceccherini, Baschirotto, Bianchetti; Zerbin, Grassi, Bondo, Payero, Pezzella; Sanabria, Vazquez. Coach: Davide Nicola