Cremonese vs Verona: Serie A Clash in Danger Zone

Serie A Showdown: Cremonese vs Hellas Verona

The atmosphere at Stadio Giovanni Zini is set to be tense as Cremonese prepares to host Hellas Verona in a critical Gameweek 21 encounter. Both teams find themselves firmly entrenched in the relegation battle, making this match a potentially decisive point in their respective seasons. Scheduled for January 19, 2026, at 5:30 PM, the clash promises intrigue, with neither side having enjoyed success in recent weeks.

Cremonese: A Promoted Side Struggling to Find Form

Cremonese, the promoted side, experienced a brief upswing in December, securing back-to-back victories against Bologna (3-1) and Lecce (2-0). These wins likely provided a temporary boost for head coach Davide Nicola, especially after a run of three consecutive losses. However, that momentum has evaporated rapidly. The Grigiorossi have since lost four of their last six league matches, including a demoralizing 5-0 defeat by Juventus in Turin, which highlights their defensive vulnerabilities.

Key Problem: Inconsistent Attacking

Perhaps the most glaring issue for Cremonese recently has been their inability to consistently find the back of the net. They have failed to score in five of their last six matches, a concerning statistic for a team aiming to secure points away from the relegation zone. This offensive drought puts immense pressure on their defense, which has already conceded 34 goals this season – a tally that surpasses every other team in the division. Currently sitting in 13th place, albeit eight points clear of the drop zone, Cremonese cannot afford a prolonged period of poor results. A loss here could force them to look anxiously over their shoulder.

Hellas Verona: A Desperate Battle Against the Bottom

Hellas Verona arrive at Stadio Giovanni Zini in an even more precarious position than their hosts. Occupying the bottom spot in the league table, the Mastiffs are battling for survival with every match. While victories over high-flying Atalanta (3-1) and a crucial win against Fiorentina (2-1) before Christmas offered a glimmer of hope, those results proved to be false dawns.

Woes Continue: Defensive and Offensive Struggles

Since the end of December, Verona have endured a dismal run, recording four defeats and one draw. This period has exposed significant problems at both ends of the pitch under Paolo Zanetti's management. Like Cremonese, Verona have also struggled to score, failing to find the net in three of those five matches. Their overall offensive output is woeful; with only 17 goals scored, only Lecce (13), Parma (14), and Pisa have managed fewer. Compounding their attacking woes is a leaky defense, having conceded 34 goals – more than any other team in Serie A. Verona's presence at the foot of the table reflects their broader challenges in both boxes.

Team News and Potential Lineups

Verona will have to manage their personnel carefully. Giuseppe Pezzella is ruled out due to suspension after reaching the yellow card threshold. Additionally, Jeremy Sarmiento and Martin Payero are sidelined by injury. On Cremonese's side, a host of players are unavailable: Tomas Suslov (knee), Martin Frese (muscle), Grigoris Kastanos (leg), Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro (ankle), and Armel Bella-Kotchap are all out. Unai Nunez is also missing due to suspension.

Key Men to Watch

For Cremonese, the attacking duo of Federico Bonazzoli and Jamie Vardy will be crucial. They have combined for ten league goals, with Bonazzoli finding more success on the road, while Vardy has netted three times in Cremona previously. Gift Orban and Giovane, both with seven goal contributions for Verona (four more than Antoine Bernede), are likely to start up front for the Mastiffs. Orban, in particular, has shown an ability to impact games away from home, with six of his contributions being goals, half of which came on the road.

Predicted Lineups

Cremonese possible starting lineup: Audero; Terracciano, Baschirotto, Bianchetti; Zerbin, Grassi, Vandeputte, Bondo, Mussolini; Vardy, Bonazzoli Hellas Verona possible starting lineup: Montipo; Slotsager, Nelsson, Valentini; Niasse, Serdar, Gagliardini, Bernede, Bradaric; Giovane, Orban

Match Prediction and Expectations

Given the recent struggles at both ends of the pitch for Cremonese and Hellas Verona, as well as their significant goal droughts, a cagey and low-scoring encounter seems the most probable outcome. Both teams will likely prioritize defensive solidity over attacking risk, knowing that avoiding defeat could be almost as valuable as securing three points in this dire situation. With neither side having won in their previous two meetings at Stadio Giovanni Zini, it feels like a contest that could easily end in a draw.

Our Prediction

Cremonese 1-1 Hellas Verona

Conclusion

Monday night's Serie A clash promises to be a tense affair, played out on equal terms due to the similar challenges facing Cremonese and Hellas Verona. While a win for either side would significantly boost their morale and potentially ease the pressure, the current form suggests that both might settle for a point. The fight for survival in Serie A is intensifying, and this match could be a pivotal moment in the relegation scrap.