Cremonese 0-2 Napoli: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Bwin’s post-match review of Cremonese 0-2 Napoli in the Serie A on Sunday, 28 December 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Napoli secured a 2-0 victory over Cremonese in this Serie A encounter. The visitors took an early lead when Rasmus Højlund scored in the 13th minute, setting a dominant tone that Cremonese struggled to counter despite their recent wins against Lecce and Bologna. Napoli doubled their advantage just before the break, with Højlund netting again in the 45th minute from a Scott McTominay assist, capping a first half where they controlled much of the play.

The second half saw Cremonese make several substitutions around the 60th and 77th minutes in a bid to turn the tide, but Napoli’s defence held firm amid yellow cards on both sides. With recent form showing Napoli’s strong run of wins against Juventus, Roma and Atalanta, they managed the game effectively to see out the result. Cremonese, coming off a draw with Lazio and a loss to Torino, couldn’t find a way back, leaving them frustrated in their push for mid-table security.

Napoli edged possession with 53% compared to Cremonese’s 47%, which aligned with their greater threat in attack, evidenced by 10 corners against just one for the hosts, pointing to sustained pressure on Cremonese’s defence. Both teams matched each other in successful dribbles at 63 apiece, suggesting evenly contested individual battles, while each side picked up two yellow cards, reflecting a competitive but not overly heated affair without any reds.

Substitutions were maximised by both, with five each; Cremonese brought on players like Dennis Johnsen and Faris Moumbagna at the 60-minute mark to inject energy, while Napoli made early changes such as Miguel Gutiérrez replacing Leonardo Spinazzola at half-time. Napoli’s single recorded assist underlined their clinical finishing, contrasting Cremonese’s zero, and no penalties or injury-time goals shifted the balance further.

Napoli broke the deadlock in the 13th minute through Rasmus Højlund’s goal, giving them early control and forcing Cremonese onto the back foot. The lead was extended in the 45th minute when Højlund scored again, this time assisted by Scott McTominay, who then received a yellow card shortly after in added time. Yellow cards also went to Cremonese’s Tommaso Barbieri in the 58th minute and Federico Bonazzoli in the 84th, adding to the tension without altering the scoreline.

Substitutions played a role in the second half, with Cremonese replacing Tommaso Barbieri with Dennis Johnsen and Antonio Sanabria with Faris Moumbagna at 60 minutes, followed by further changes at 77 and 82 minutes to chase the game. Napoli adjusted too, introducing Miguel Gutiérrez for Leonardo Spinazzola at 46 minutes and Noa Lang for Eljif Elmas at 51 minutes, helping them maintain composure until late swaps in the 89th minute.

Cremonese lined up in a 3-5-2 formation, relying on a solid defensive base with Matteo Bianchetti in the backline before his substitution for Romano Floriani Mussolini at 82 minutes, while midfielders like Alberto Grassi provided support until Warren Bondo came on at 77 minutes. Tommaso Barbieri featured on the flank but was booked in the 58th minute and replaced by Dennis Johnsen shortly after, as the setup aimed to balance defence and counter-attacks. Up front, Antonio Sanabria started but made way for Faris Moumbagna at 60 minutes, with Alessio Zerbin also being substituted for Federico Bonazzoli at 77 minutes, who later picked up a yellow card.

Napoli deployed a 3-4-2-1 shape, allowing creative outlets like Eljif Elmas before Noa Lang replaced him at 51 minutes, with Rasmus Højlund leading the line effectively by scoring twice before Lorenzo Lucca came on for him at 89 minutes. Scott McTominay’s assist for the second goal highlighted midfield influence, though he earned a yellow card in first-half added time, while Juan Jesus was booked earlier at 34 minutes. Defensive adjustments included Miguel Gutiérrez replacing Leonardo Spinazzola at 46 minutes and Alessandro Buongiorno coming on for David Neres at 73 minutes, bolstering their structure, with Pasquale Mazzocchi substituting for Matteo Politano late at 89 minutes.

Bwin’s Man of the Match was Rasmus Højlund, who starred for Napoli with two goals that proved decisive in securing the win. His clinical finishing stood out, even without creating big chances, as he delivered three key passes that helped maintain attacking momentum. Starting the game and only being substituted late at 89 minutes for Lorenzo Lucca, Højlund’s performance underlined his importance in breaking down Cremonese’s defence.

Recent Serie A matches:

• Loss: 0-2 vs Napoli (H)
• Draw: 0-0 vs Lazio (A)
• Loss: 0-1 vs Torino (A)
• Win: 2-0 vs Lecce (H)
• Win: 3-1 vs Bologna (A)

Recent Serie A matches:

• Win: 2-0 vs Cremonese (A)
• Loss: 0-1 vs Udinese (A)
• Win: 2-1 vs Juventus (H)
• Win: 1-0 vs Roma (A)
• Win: 3-1 vs Atalanta (H)

Cremonese have just suffered a 0-2 home defeat to Napoli, extending a mixed run that includes a recent draw with Lazio and losses to Torino, leaving them in 12th place on 21 points and looking to stabilise in mid-table. Their next fixture is against Fiorentina on 4 January 2026 at 14:00, with the opponents currently 20th on nine points and in relegation danger. A win could help Cremonese build on earlier successes like their 2-0 victory over Lecce and pull further clear of the bottom, boosting their confidence in the league standings.

Napoli have just claimed a 2-0 away win over Cremonese, adding to a solid recent form with victories against Juventus, Roma and Atalanta despite a loss to Udinese, positioning them third on 34 points in the title chase. They face Lazio next on 4 January 2026 at 11:30, with the opposition eighth on 24 points and aiming for European spots. Three points here would keep Napoli in contention at the top, capitalising on their momentum to close any gaps on the leaders.

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