Cremonese’s Serie A survival hangs by a thread after costly defeat to Lazio

Key facts

• Cremonese lost to Lazio 2-1 at Stadio Giovanni Zini on May 4, 2026.
• Federico Bonazzoli scored Cremonese’s goal in the 29th minute, his eighth of the season.
• Lazio equalised in the 53rd minute through Gustav Isaksen, assisted by Tijjani Noslin after a counterattack led by Nuno Tavares.
• Cremonese captain Federico Baschirotto was forced off with an injury in the 20th minute, replaced by Matteo Bianchetti.
• Cremonese have won only one of their last 20 league matches, losing 14 and drawing five.
• Lazio remain eighth in Serie A, six points behind Atalanta for the last European spot.
• Cremonese have taken just 13 points from 48 available at home this season and have not won at Stadio Zini in 2026.

A lifeline slips away at Stadio Zini

Cremonese’s already fragile grip on Serie A survival loosened further on Monday evening as they fell 2-1 to Lazio at Stadio Giovanni Zini. The defeat leaves the grigiorossi four points adrift of safety with only three matches left to play, their hopes of avoiding an immediate return to Serie B hanging by a thread. Having escaped relegation via the playoffs last season, Cremonese have been in free-fall for months. They have won just one of their last 20 league outings, losing 14 and drawing five. Monday’s result extended a run of four matches without a victory, during which they have scored only once.

Bonazzoli’s strike and a goalkeeper’s error

Cremonese took a surprise lead in the 29th minute through their top scorer Federico Bonazzoli. The forward’s eighth goal of the campaign came from the team’s first shot on target, but it owed much to a glaring mistake from Lazio goalkeeper Edoardo Motta. Bonazzoli’s effort was not struck with overwhelming power, yet Motta misjudged the ball with his feet, allowing it to slip through his legs and into the net. For Cremonese, the lead was a rare moment of joy in a season defined by attacking struggles. They have managed only four home goals in the entire 2026 calendar year and have failed to score in their last three matches before Monday. The goal briefly ignited hopes of an unlikely victory, but Lazio’s response was swift and clinical.

Lazio’s counterattack and the winning goal

Lazio equalised in the 53rd minute through Gustav Isaksen, who finished with a clinical left-footed strike after a devastating counterattack. The move was orchestrated by Nuno Tavares, whose burst down the left flank was unstoppable, and Tijjani Noslin provided the decisive assist. The goal marked Lazio’s third consecutive positive result, following a 3-3 draw with Udinese and a Coppa Italia semi-final victory on penalties. The visitors completed the turnaround later in the second half, though the exact minute of the winning goal is not recorded in the available sources. Lazio’s victory lifted them to eighth place in Serie A, six points behind Atalanta, who occupy the final European qualification spot. Their own path to Europe may depend on winning the Coppa Italia final on home turf, which could rescue a sub-par campaign marked by fan unrest and financial strain.

Injuries and substitutions disrupt Cremonese’s plans

Cremonese’s already difficult task was compounded by an early injury to captain Federico Baschirotto, who was forced off in the 20th minute. Matteo Bianchetti replaced him in central defence. The loss of their captain further destabilised a side that has struggled for consistency all season. Lazio also made changes, with Boulaye Dia replacing Gustav Isaksen in the second half. The match saw several other substitutions, including Martín Payero and Warren Bondo coming on for Cremonese, while Nicolò Rovella and Tijjani Noslin entered for Lazio. Tommaso Barbieri of Cremonese received a yellow card for a bad foul. The game was briefly delayed due to an injury to Lazio’s Alessio Romagnoli.

A season of missed chances and dwindling hope

Cremonese’s home form has been a major factor in their predicament. They have taken just 13 points from a possible 48 at Stadio Zini this season, and Monday’s defeat means they have still not won at home in 2026. Their four home goals tell a stark story of attacking inefficiency, with both Jamie Vardy and Federico Bonazzoli struggling for form and fitness. Vardy, who started the season brightly, has been beset by injuries, while Bonazzoli continues to misfire despite his eight goals. The team’s overall record is dire: one win in 20 league matches, with 14 losses and five draws. They now face an uphill battle to close the four-point gap to 17th-placed Lecce, who have a game in hand.

What lies ahead for both sides

Cremonese have three matches remaining, all of which are at home, but their record at Stadio Zini offers little comfort. Manager Marco Giampaolo, who replaced Davide Nicola after the 0-0 draw with Lazio in December, may need maximum points to keep survival hopes alive. The team’s fate is no longer entirely in their own hands, as they rely on results elsewhere. Lazio, meanwhile, have their sights set on the Coppa Italia final, where they will face Inter Milan. A victory would secure European football for next season and provide a bright spot in a campaign marred by internal strife and financial difficulties. For now, they can take confidence from a hard-fought win that keeps their momentum alive ahead of the cup showpiece.

A club on the brink of relegation

Cremonese’s return to Serie A lasted only one season, and they now face the prospect of an immediate drop back to Serie B. The club’s struggles have been compounded by a lack of goals, defensive fragility, and an inability to win at home. With just three games left, the margin for error is zero. The defeat to Lazio may prove to be the decisive blow in a season that promised so much after last year’s playoff escape. For the grigiorossi, the clock is ticking, and the mathematics are unforgiving. Only a remarkable turnaround can save them now.

The bottom line

• Cremonese lost 2-1 to Lazio, leaving them four points from safety with three matches remaining.
• Federico Bonazzoli scored Cremonese’s only goal, but a Lazio goalkeeper error was the catalyst.
• Lazio equalised through Gustav Isaksen after a counterattack led by Nuno Tavares and Tijjani Noslin.
• Cremonese have won just one of their last 20 league matches and have not won at home in 2026.
• Lazio remain eighth in Serie A, six points off the European places, with a Coppa Italia final to come.
• Cremonese captain Federico Baschirotto was injured early, adding to the team’s defensive woes.